I don't think I ever worried about strangers more for my kids than I did for myself, or anyone else. I don't think it is blown out of proportion, as long as stranger danger is presented as reasonable behavior, not irrational scare tactics. I do think everyone needs to be aware of risks. That 1 in 1,000 doesn't mean much, until you are in a city of hundreds of thousands, in isolated, unsafe situations, and you could be that 1 in 1,000.

I have talked to my daughter about it a lot since she' 2. I have to talk to my son now. We have a great video: "The Safe Side" by John Walsh and Julie Clark. It's fun to watch for kids.
http://www.thesafeside.com/?gclid=CMjO7rqS1JUCFQ4hnAodjClJig
We also have a board game called "Safetyville" where your kids learn stuff while having fun. It's a great game.

http://www.boardgamegeek.com/game/32155

I absolutely think that children need to be taught about strangers. I've talked to my kids about strangers, about people they know and about inappropriate behavior by other children. In my book, it's better safe than sorry and if kids have been informed of possible scenarios that they should exercise caution in then that is better than a clueless child not knowing what to do in the event of a dangerous situation.

Children need to know about internet safety, gun safety and how to protect themselves against predatory adults. As a parent, I always know where my kids are and what they are doing at all times. It is irresponsible not to. I think the biggest problem these days is when parents allow their children to go play at a friend's house and they (the parents) have no idea what is in the home or who the friend's parents are. We have had several instances of children coming over our house to play and I've never even MET the parents.

That is completely irresponsible on the parent's part. Our job as parents is to be wise, keep our eyes and ears open and protect our kids.

:)

Cady

www.cadydidrooms.com