I'd like to find some content on teaching kids how to avoid and evade pervs and other abductors. While fathers are the first line of defense for the family, we simply aren't there all the time.

This summer, my oldest (10y/o daughter) and I are road-tripping across the US from WA to VA and back to visit her godparents. My kid is fairly responsible for her age so I've some ideas for teaching her what to look out for and what to do but some guidance would be really helpful for myself and other dads (and moms). She has also started to "develop" early and isn't that the exact opposite of what a dad wants to see...

To be clear, I'm teaching my daughter to: 1. Avoid problem areas 2. Run from danger 3. Hit unexpectedly fast and "hard" and then run.

For the purpose of our trip, I'm actually thinking of making/customizing and teaching her the use of a modified punch knife. The civilized part of me says, "That's a terrible idea...because...reasons." But the dad in me disagrees and can't think of a better way for her to deliver a quick hit that will enable her to break physical contact.

Pepper spray is as likely as not to be slow to deploy and get into her own eyes and I can't think of anything else that could have enough shock factor to have a good chance of making an aggressor break contact at her strength level. I figure I'll make a dull training model and see how she does with it.

Is there a better tool or method for a young...'gasp'...lady? I wanted something hidden, unexpected, and effective. I really don't care what it is or how modern or tacticool it is.

No smart phones or social media for our kids (boys or girls) at this point. We got our son a flip phone when he started working so he could call us when he was ready to be picked up. All the other stuff you've referenced is great and others can probably provide better guidance than I can on those aspects, but I also think keeping the enemy at bay in the electronic media side of things is of upmost importance. There are times when we see everyone else doing/accepting something in our society, and we can assume we have to do/accept that thing, as well. So maybe this is an encouragement to you or others: kids don't have to have smart phones or social media. God bless!

My old man came out of the security business and a lot of what I learned was practiced in the household and I try to do the same. Give them the tools when they are young and they will have them for a lifetime. I say go for it and let your daughter learn to carry a knife. If she becomes comfortable now it wont even be a second thought later.

Personally, I found the Reality of Criminal Assault series (WPSN) to be an excellent resource for personal safety. There is some strong language in it though, so use discretion in showing it to a ten-year-old. It may be better for you to watch it, then teach her what you learned.

As a female who was molested as a kid, I would actually recommend pepper spray over a knife. Knives are short-range weapons, and a young girl will not be fast enough or strong enough to deploy one against a grown man, especially if he is restraining her arms, and when taking into account a "freeze" response that often occurs with assault. Pepper spray is a better option if it's legal where you live. My little sister also carries a personal alarm by Sabre to use if she's in danger.

Edit: a knife is a useful tool to carry also, it certainly wouldn't hurt to train her with one. However, I think pepper spray is best as her primary defensive weapon. As a teen I always carried a knife, and I've carried pepper spray since 18 (state law).