COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) - Public schools would be required to teach students how to protect themselves against potential kidnappers and sexual predators under a bill filed by Rep. Fletcher Smith.
The bill that would require schools teach "age appropriate" self-defense, verbal defense and situations to avoid.
"Most parents do a good job of teaching their children to avoid strangers, but this bill would allow schools to re-emphasize those lessons," said Smith, D-Greenville.
Smith said last week's kidnapping and death of 11-year-old Carlie Brucia in Sarasota, Fla., prompted the legislation.
Marcia Duncan, the assistant superintendent for instruction and accountability in Union County Schools, said school guidance counselors already teach students to beware of strangers.
"We do not teach self-defense classes," Duncan said. "We do teach children lessons in caution and safety."
Rep. Ralph Davenport, R-Boiling Springs, said he would sign on as a sponsor of the bill.
"A lot of times when kids get out in the real world and away from us, we haven't educated them enough about all the negatives. There is evil out there. This will help them be more aware of it."
Information from: Herald-Journal
