OuOWP once again

[alt_poppy]

Today's epistle from the Office of Underage Wizard Protection:

Children of Hogwarts, Hello!

First, allow me to apologise for a lapse on my part: I realised belatedly that I neglected to send any of the pamphlets in our series on 'Dietary Diligence', but rest assured that if you would like to read any of the titles on food and proper eating I mentioned yesterday, your Matron now has plenty of copies.

Now for today's topic!

It is a matter of no small difficulty for children to discern when they may trust adults and when they must, instead, be wary in order to protect themselves and their families from harm. On the one hand, children understand that it is their duty to obey and respect their elders, even as their parents respect and owe duty to those in authority over them. On the other hand, children must understand that there is darkness and evil in our world that threatens their safety.

Never Speak with Nor Accept Anything from Strangers:
It is for this reason that parents teach their children never to speak to strangers unless Mother or Father introduces them and gives permission. For this same reason, children must learn never to accept gifts or food or broom rides from any adult unless their parent or teacher gives express permission.

Never Allow Unfamiliar Adults to Touch Any Part of You:
In fact, as we are now becoming aware, our lessons ought to be even more stringent: children must learn never, ever to allow an unknown or slightly known adult to touch them in any way, even to take them by the hand. It is far too easy for an adult to abuse a child's trust and come close enough to seize the child and Apparate away with her.

Self-Awareness:
Are there really such threats all around us? The answer, I'm afraid, is yes. While our world, Our Lord's most gracious realm, is a very safe place and while we are well governed by the Ministry and well-protected by the department of Magical Law Enforcement, there are undeniably a handful of evil individuals hidden in our midst. Safety depends on preparedness, and preparedness demands that we be aware of the ways in which harm could befall us. Thus we must always be alert to the possibility that somewhere around us there might be someone bent on doing us harm. It is far better to be alert and prepared than to be taken by surprise.

Self-Knowledge:
I know that all of you are taking lessons in Defence and Charms, and I'm told that many of you are participating in the school's Duelling Club. There you are studying the wand skills that may someday enable you to defend yourself should someone assail you, but for the time being, your best defence is to know your own limitations and to avoid rather than brave conflict. Avoid being taken alone, keep alert, and flee danger if it confronts you.

Do Not Make Yourself a Ready Target:
We have recently been reminded that children may unwittingly make themselves enticing targets for predators. In addition to the ways we've already addressed (playing alone in lonely places, allowing strange adults to come too close, accepting gifts or invitations from people one doesn't know well, acting on one's own recognisance without permission from a parent or teacher, trusting too much to one's own strength or skill), there is a new danger facing you today that my generation never faced: your public diary.

The Dangers of Public Diary-Keeping:
Alas! These diaries are an avenue for danger. Writing in these little books has become all the rage. We love to write in them and read what others say; we can scarcely bear to be without them. We appreciate that they allow us to communicate so quickly and casually with our friends and loved ones near and far. We are titillated that we can read in them the daily notes of people we do not know well--celebrities, politicians, society figures, and outlaws. Occasionally someone will say something shocking, but more often people merely write about the ordinary details of ordinary lives. And yet these small revelations are strangely compelling; they fascinate us and make us feel that we know secrets about the people who share themselves in that way. Someone might describe the comic details of having a new dress fitted; someone else might blab about her little brother's desire for a puppy; another might confide his financial worries; and yet another might anticipate the pleasures of an upcoming vacation. These admissions may seem harmless to you, but to a criminal mind, these details become fodder for evil fantasies and material for villainous plans.

Do Not Tell Your Diary Any Personal Details:
It may seem harsh. It may strike you as unnecessarily cautious. But, oh, children! It is always far better to be cautious and be safe than to be unwary and become a victim of the evil ones who lurk and look for ways to harm you.

Here in the Office of Underage Wizard Protection we like to say that Self-Protection Is First of All a Matter of Self-Governance! Guard your tongues, blunt your quills, keep your private knowledge private--and be safe!

To learn more about these important topics, ask Madam Pomfrey or your Prefects for copies of the following pamphlets:

* Never Talk To Strangers
* Don't Tell Your Secrets in Public
* Hold Tight, Don't Write: 10 Things You Musn't Tell Your Diary
* Never Go Alone (Keeping Safe in Public Toilets)
* Look Out for Lechers
* Hands Off: Parts of You No One Else Should Touch
* Trust Your Head (Your Head of House Can Help)
* Your Prefect Cares
* Hearing Your Healer
* Feeling Troubled? Tell Matron
* Perk Up: A Smile Will Raise Your Spirits
* When Daily Cares Become Nightmares

Tomorrow we will discuss how to avoid conflict and live harmoniously with others. In the meantime, Keep Your Wits About You and Be Safe!

Ms Prunella Post, AEOIA
Office of Underage Wizard Protection

Comments

[alt_poppy]

Thank you, Director. I'm happy to cooperate.