>> he could easily shut that door and take off. >> forget everything and it's innocent, they are so innocent. >> quite a few emotions going on now. >> very curious how today is going to go. >> important advice that every parent can use. >> we need to teach our kids to be assertive, be strong and learn how to say no from an early age. >> natalie morales puts kids to the test, including her own. >> i'm like partly almost crying but at the same time, i can't believe that. >> my kid would never do that. thanks for joining us, i'm lester holt. how many times have you told your kids no to trust a stranger? think they are listening? our hidden camera report offers you a chance to find out and to help your kids when it matters most. natalie morales is here now and it is going to make a lot of parents uncomfortable? >> eye opening, real teachable

moments, real life lessons to be learned here. we wanted parents to see how kids might hand al tough situation or a dangerous one, like being approached by a stranger and lured inside a truck there are lessons here for all of us, including me. it is too horrible to imagine, an unspeakable thought what if someone sflached my child? >> amber alert -- >> even though a stranger abducting a child is rare, we still make every effort to teach our kids how to be safe but will they remember those lessons when it matters? when we tested kids in the past, most were easily tricked. whether it was the lure of a puppy -- [ door bell rings ] >> i cannot believe that they opened the door. i am shocked. >> or ma man with a badge. >> don't be alarmed. everything is okay. i'm with the sheriff's department. >> kids forgot what they had been taught. >> could i step in here for a

second? >> yeah. >> and let the stranger into the house. >> you failed. >> i mean, he had the badge. >> he had the badge. >> predators know exactly which lure to use and which ones are kids most vulnerable to? >> author of the big book of parents collisions, michelle borba, says that is why parents need to teach their kid what is do in many different stranger situations. >> you role play it over and over again. you play what if scenarios. as a result it is more likely to seep in. show, don't tell. >> and that's what we planned to do tonight. i'm a mom with two boys, 3 and 8 years old, and i have been teaching my kids about stranger safety since they were toddlers but like so many parents, i wonder if my kids will remember those lessons in a real life situation. i'm so curious, in fact, that later in the hour, i'll be testing my 8-year-old. along with a group of other moms and dads, we will watch our kids

as we put them through a variety of tests to see how they will react in risky situations with strangers, actual scenarios convicted child predators have used to target children. >> hey, guys, i'm matt the ice cream man. >> what will we do when a friendly ice cream man makes a tempting offer. >> how would you guys like a free ice cream? >> will any of them climb into a vehicle with a stranger? >> you ever been in an ice cream truck? >> only a door slam away from being taken. i put my son to that test. >> whoa. >> i'm casting this tv show called "reality kids" and i think you would be perfect for. >> we will also see if kids will tell a stranger who they are and where they live. making it easier for a predator to find them. >> i wish she would say, i want to check with my mom first. >> all the parents say they told their kids never to give out that kind of information to

strangers. let's see how they do. >> hi, my name is william. >> my name is christopher. >> hi, my name is xavier. >> he set up a tent and installed hidden cameras. their parents and i are watching them on monitors nearby. the boys are assembling care packages for service men and women and we told them nbc will be sending the packages overseas with a recorded message. >> keep on fighting. we've hired an actor to approach the boys, take their pictures and tell them he is looking for new stars for a reality tv show. the test, to see if they will give him their home address. >> i do speak to him about safety and he will not just give information or directions. >> if someone is saying, he could be famous, that could be it, you know? >> i think if it's a chance for him to break into his career, he just may. >> how would you feel if he does? >> it is going to be a very scary situation. >> these parents know what their

kids are about to go through may be stressful, but feel it's important. >> hopefully it will be a learning experience. >> so let the testing begin. as soon as our camera woman and producer leave. >> i will be back, guys. >> our actor approaches. >> hey, guys. what are you guys doing? >> building a care package. >> care package? for who? >> the boys look leerry. >> soldiers. >> really? that's awesome. look, you guys, have you ever thought about being on tv? >> the mere mention of tv and they start to relax. >> oh, yes. >> really? >> yeah. >> their parents watch, hoping they do the right thing. >> well, listen, i'm doing this casting project right now and you look perfect. >> i've been on tv before. >> really? >> first, our actor takes their photo. >> you guys look perfect for this project. >> and their parents cringe. how would you feel if a stranger

took your child's picture? >> what's your name? >> um, chris. >> what's your last name? >> all three give up their full name without hesitation. >> my name is xavier, xavier. >> xavier. >> right up to him. >> but the next part is even scarier. >> and what's your address? >> all right boys give up their info or stand up to the stranger? >> also coming up, test number two, the girls. will they give out their names for a shot at fame? >> i'm casting this tv show and i think i'd be perfect for. >> me? >> yeah. >> when "my kid would never do that" continues. chances are, you're not made of money, so don't overpay for motorcycle insurance.

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you've thought about being on tv, right? >> reporter: a stranger has just told this boy chris he needs his home address in order to cast him in a new tv show. >> what's your address? >> reporter: his mom and the other kids' parents are watching, hoping he won't tell. >> well, the address i need to wait for my parents' permission. >> oh. i'm impressed. >> reporter: but our actor keeps pushing. >> i just need everything -- i need to get all the contracts signed and printed out. >> i'm going to be talking to your parents tomorrow. >> reporter: chris's mom wills her son to stand his ground. but -- >> 240 -- >> reporter: -- it doesn't work. >> so much for that. >> reporter: nervous laughter from the watch room as he gives his entire address, which we won't be doing. now the other boys. >> your address?

>> 1760 -- >> 1760? and now you? >> 2542. >> 2542. >> reporter: xavier's dad wonders if peer pressure won out over commonsense. >> maybe the first two kids did it, so now he got comfortable. >> thanks so much, guys. i'm going to be in contact, all right? >> yeah. >> reporter: it took less than four minutes for our stranger to collect all the information necessary to track these boys down. >> how are you? >> good. >> reporter: they know i'm with the team from nbc who will be sending off the care packages. will they tell me about their encounter with a stranger? >> so anything else happen? >> well, a guy came out of nowhere. >> saying like he wants -- have you been on tv? >> so what did he do? >> took our pictures and he wanted our info. >> and you guys let him have all of that? >> reporter: for the first time today, the boys get quiet.

have you been on tv before? >> yeah. >> i haven't been on tv, per se. >> well, guess what? you guys are all on tv right now. that's right. >> where's the camera? >> oh, there. >> there's one there. >> this is a test. and it was to see how you guys would act when somebody comes up to you and says you can be famous. >> reporter: they quickly realize they failed the test. >> oh, wow. >> oh, wow. >> oh, wow. >> reporter: then we bring out their parents. >> come on, parents. come on in. >> you shouldn't have gave it to him. >> you can say give me your information, my mom will contact you. >> chris, you did say you need to talk to my mom first. why did you then end up then giving your address in the end? >> because he seemed legit. >> your first instinct was good. >> stick with it. >> yeah. >> reporter: the parents leave, hoping this time, the lesson has gotten through. the testing continues. unlike the last group, these parents are convinced their

girls will know what to do when approached by a stranger. >> my name is erin. >> hi, my name is erica. >> my name is nava. >> nava is extremely cautious. >> reporter: her mom has been especially earnest about teaching stranger safety because 10-year-old nava was off on her own last year at a boarding school in south africa. >> she wouldn't give out, like, her home address. >> overall, you think she won't go along with it, then? >> no, i don't. she'll be cautious. i'll be very surprised if she's not. >> reporter: she says her daughter, erica, has no problem speaking up. >> i'm hoping that if someone said to her can i have your information, i'm hoping she would say, you know, check with my mom first. >> she knows if someone comes up with a dog, they're probably using that as a trick to get you. so she knows that kind of stuff. >> reporter: erin's mom is counting on those lessons paying off today. >> i'm hoping that she does the right thing. >> reporter: and if she does give out her information -- >> i would feel devastated. >> reporter: while they're busy

filling boxes with supplies for the troops, up walks our actor. >> hey, guys. >> hello. >> what are you guys doing? >> reporter: you can see how uncomfortable they are being approached by a stranger. >> making care packages. >> really? >> yeah. >> that's cool. i'm casting this new tv show called "reality kids," and i think you'd be perfect for it. >> me? >> yeah. really, really perfect. >> reporter: without asking, he takes erica's picture. >> okay. >> wow. >> reporter: then he turns to erin and nava. >> listen, i need other people in the casting, too. so hang on a second. there we go. you guys are perfect. cheese. >> what is this show? >> it's called "reality kids." >> okay. >> reporter: okay. so far, they've let him take their photos. >> and look at them. they're all nervous about it. >> reporter: now the real test. >> so i just need your info so i can get everything to your

parents, so we can get waivers and things. >> reporter: their moms watch as if their parenting skills are on the line. >> i just need your name, address, stuff like that. it's just really easy. >> reporter: erica is the first to speak up. >> you should talk to my mom. >> ah. there you go. >> good girl. >> reporter: but our actor isn't giving up so easily. >> that's why i need your address and things, so i can get everything to you, so they know what's going on so, they're always informed. >> you can just ask my mom that. >> so far so good. >> you know, i need your info first so i can get everything to them. >> reporter: will the high-pressure sales pitch pay off? coming up next -- another teen starts out tough. >> do you have a card or something that i could see? >> will she be tough enough? and later, a whole new tempting scenario. >> have you guys ever been in an ice cream truck? >> a tour inside a stranger's truck. will kids climb in? >> come on, josh. >> watch as we put natalie's own son to the test. >> it's hard.

>> when "dateline" continues.

♪ we're testing kids to see if they remember what to do when approached by a stranger. >> i'm casting this new tv show called "reality kids." >> reporter: after taking erica's picture, our actor has been pushing her to tell him who she is and where she lives. >> i just need your name, address, stuff like that. >> reporter: so far, she's turned him down twice. >> i'm not comfortable giving you my address. >> why not? we need to mail everything so we can get it to you. >> um, can you just ask my mom that? >> reporter: she's making her mom proud. >> she's not budging. >> but don't you want to make money? >> i can make money when i become a successful soccer player. >> [ whispering ] don't give in. don't give in. >> reporter: she stays firm. now our actor turns his attention to the other girls. will they follow erica's example? >> what's your name? >> nava. >> reporter: nava's mom watches to see if her daughter will remember everything she's taught her. >> nava's like, i'm keeping my head down.

>> and what's the address? >> reporter: concern and worry flash across her face as her daughter gives her entire address. >> avenue. >> reporter: it's a hard thing for a mother to watch. >> my name is erin. >> erin? and what's the address? >> reporter: complete silence in the watch room as her mom listens to hear what her daughter will say. >> well, yeah, just give me your address because then i can mail everything and we can get your number with your parents. >> 61 -- >> reporter: erin gives out her address. >> new jersey? new york? >> reporter: and reality seems to strike her mom. >> emotional. it's hard, right? >> reporter: then as our actor starts to leave, erica does something unexpected. >> wait. you're going to see my parents, right? >> yeah. >> you can ask them the address when you see them. >> well, i'm not going to see them. i'm going to talk to them. >> exactly. >> but i need to get everything mailed out.

we're shooting next week. >> reporter: now her mom looks really worried. >> 170 -- >> 170. >> avenue. >> avenue. >> what did she just say? >> she's giving in. i'm surprised. >> you guys are going to be famous. i know it. thank you guys. >> okay. >> reporter: as soon as he leaves, it's clear erica knows something's not right. >> i don't trust him. i didn't want to tell him. that's why i was like, no. >> what's so interesting is now they're having a conversation about how they didn't trust him and the things that we tell them not to do. but they didn't actually do it. >> after the fact. >> after the fact. >> reporter: now i go out and greet the girls. >> i'm natalie with nbc. how are you doing? >> good. >> reporter: i ask them if anything unusual happened. >> there was a guy. >> a guy? >> and he like took pictures of us kind of and he asked for our information. >> did he get all of your information? >> i didn't trust him, but i did give him my information. >> why did you give him your information if you didn't trust him?

>> he was pressuring me. >> well, we are sending these care packages to the troops. but the real reason you're here also is we are doing a show about stranger danger. >> reporter: their moms come out to speak to them. >> oh, my goodness. >> what'd you guys do? >> i was so scared. >> what are you supposed to do if a stranger asks you for your information? >> i was going to run, but i didn't know where to go. >> reporter: the families leave feeling their daughters will be better prepared to handle a real stranger. in our final group, we meet a girl who knows what it's like to be approached by a stranger. >> hi. my name is paige. i'm 14 years old. >> reporter: she's been asked about being a model. and just like our expert recommends, her mother says she's been very specific about how to handle it. >> she just is like yeah,

yeah, yeah, whatever, and blows them off. >> reporter: so her mom's not worried about today's test. >> i'm fairly confident she would say not interested, thanks. >> reporter: is paige's mom right about her daughter? >> hi, guys. >> hi. >> how are you? >> good. >> good. >> reporter: she and two younger girls, aaliyah and ava, are assembling care packages. >> how are you guys doing? >> reporter: our actor starts by asking their ages. >> how old are you guys? >> 14. >> reporter: paige doesn't hesitate to give her age. but what will she do when the questions get more personal? >> there's quite a few emotions going on right now. >> reporter: but when he asks to take her picture -- >> no, thanks. >> really? why not? >> do you have a card or something that i could see? >> i have nothing. >> because i can't go by your word. i don't go by people's words. >> wow, mom. you should be proud. >> she's amazing. >> reporter: paige, ava, and aaliyah continue to blow him off. >> have a nice time with your "reality kids." >> you guys don't want to be famous? >> now you're getting annoying. >> all right, guys. it's your loss. >> yeah, we know it.

weird. [ giggles ] >> reporter: when i go out to speak to paige, she says she knew what to do because her mother taught her. >> well, he didn't have a card. he didn't have any piece of identification that he was offering. >> is that something you were taught? >> yeah. definitely. >> reporter: her mother and the other parents beam with pride. >> good job, sweetie. good job. paige, that was -- you were excellent. >> i learned from the best mom. >> aww. sweet. >> reporter: expert michele borba applauds paige's mom for giving her daughter detailed instructions on how to handle this situation. and she says, parents, don't worry about scaring your kids. >> you're not scaring them to death when you say don't run into the street, don't run around the pool. so don't feel you're scaring them by giving them what to do in certain situations that can create safety for them around strangers. >> reporter: here's a stranger situation you might not have thought of. but child predators certainly

have. >> hey, guys. >> hi. >> i'm matt the ice cream man. >> reporter: would your children know what to do if someone tried to lure them with free ice cream? >> would you guys like some? >> reporter: and a special tour inside the truck. >> sure, it's fun. i have the truck right here. >> when we come back, a powerful emotional moment is in store for father and son. and a police officer who teaches stranger safety lessons. surely his daughter will know what to do. right? >> i'm very curious about how today's going to go. >> when "my kid would never do that" continues. what's my secret for sunday lunch?

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♪ would your kids take free ice cream from a man they didn't know? this dad thinks he knows the answer. >> that type of thing i really don't worry about anymore. >> reporter: maya and dallas's dad says he and his wife have been vigilant about teaching their children the rules about stranger safety. he's confident they'll know what to do today. >> and what if they don't? >> i'm definitely going to feel like i've done something wrong, maybe like i've failed in a certain way. >> reporter: we brought back our actor. this time, he'll be playing the part of an ice cream man. he'll drive up in an ice cream truck we've rented and offer kids free ice cream. then he'll try to lure them in for a tour to peek in the freezers and play with the truck's music machine. if they go inside, you'll see how easy it would be for a predator to slam the door and drive off. maya and dallas, who are twins, think they're only here to create a poster for our troops overseas.

>> my name is maya. i am 8. >> my name is dallas. and i just wanted to say good luck. >> reporter: they don't know the tent is full of hidden cameras and that their dad is watching their every move. their older sister, taylor, is watching too. >> it's nerve-wracking, right? >> yeah. yeah. yeah. >> okay. here we go. >> reporter: our producer leaves the tent. and the twins continue to work on their poster. ♪ then they hear the unmistakable sound of an ice cream truck headed their way. >> ice cream! >> does he think we have money? >> hey, guys. >> hi. >> i'm matt, the ice cream man. what are you guys doing? >> we're doing a thank you card. >> thank you card? for who? >> people that serve in the war. >> wow. that's awesome, guys. >> thank you. >> you know what? i usually give out free ice cream to anyone who does things for the troops. would you guys like some? >> reporter: their dad and sister hold their breath to see if dallas and maya will remember what their parents taught them and send the ice cream man away. >> you guys want some free ice cream?

>> well, we have to ask our parents. >> no, that's fine. i have the truck right here. >> come on. >> reporter: maya is reluctant. so our actor tries another tactic. >> have you guys ever been in an ice cream truck? have you ever seen the inside of one? >> no. >> would you guys like to check that out? >> reporter: they go back to working on their poster. their dad watches, hoping his twins will continue to ignore our ice cream man. >> i'm nervous right now. >> reporter: but our actor turns on the charm. >> come on, guys. i'll show you. >> reporter: maybe they'll just peek in, not get in. >> it's right here. >> reporter: he gets out a stool, inviting them to climb up. >> check it out, guys. i could show you guys the freezers. i could show you how the music works and everything. go ahead. >> reporter: while dallas marches right in -- >> oh, god. >> reporter: -- maya hesitates, looks around, unsure of what to do. >> it's all right. >> reporter: then she climbs in.

>> watch your step. >> oh, jesus. >> reporter: their father is visibly upset. >> no matter how much you talk to them, it just takes something that catches their interest and they forget everything. and it's innocent. they're so innocent. >> all right. what's your favorite ice cream? you guys like spider-man or dora the explorer? >> i like spider-man. >> you like spider-man? sure. >> wait. i think -- do we need to pay? because i think our parents -- >> no, it's free, guys. it's free. >> reporter: even though she got in the truck, maya continues to turn down the ice cream. >> i'm good. >> are you sure? >> yeah. >> reporter: but both are interested to see how the music machine works. >> i'll show you. it's this little box right up here. >> i didn't think they would do that. >> and they're in there a long time. and he could easily shut that door and take off. >> it could have been somebody else inside there and just grabbed them. >> reporter: they finish with the tour.

>> bye. >> reporter: and as soon as our ice cream man leaves -- >> bye, guys. >> bye. >> keep doing the good work. >> reporter: maya tells her brother something just isn't right. >> dallas, we don't know him. stranger danger. >> ice cream. >> dallas. we need to tell our parents first. you're in big trouble. >> want a bite? >> no. i'm not getting stolen ice cream. >> how are you? >> good. >> i'm natalie morales. i work with nbc. how are you doing? >> reporter: i go out to speak to the twins. >> do your parents talk to you guys about strangers? >> yes. but dallas -- dallas forgot. >> did you forget too? >> no. i didn't get free ice cream. >> what about getting on the truck with an ice cream man? >> i was kind of scared because i thought he was like the person

that takes people. >> reporter: dallas gets very upset as soon as he sees his dad. >> hey, guys. >> what's wrong? what's wrong? >> reporter: his father tries to comfort him, explaining why this experiment was so important. >> as much as we talk, my mom and i talk to you, you make mistakes. and it's okay to make mistakes. but sometimes your mistake can get you in so much trouble that you can't fix it. you'll know better for the next time. and you'll know better when you go back and you talk to your friends. >> now you can have your ice cream and milk duds. >> reporter: turning down free ice cream and a tour of an ice cream truck would be tough for any kid. but what about one whose father is a police officer? >> my dad told me that if there's a stranger, i should

walk away or say no, thank you, if they offer me anything. >> reporter: not only is julia's dad a cop, but one of his duties is to teach stranger safety in schools. >> so are all strangers bad? >> no. >> reporter: he teaches kids about traps, like a stranger wants to show kids the latest video game. he also teaches another valuable lesson. >> if a stranger ever tries to grab you, i want you guys to do this. you ready? i want everybody to wiggle like a worm. wiggle. wiggle. and go "help! help!" help! >> reporter: julia says her dad is constantly reminding her about stranger safety. >> when you take something from a stranger, it could be a trick. remember that? >> because out of all the people in the world, why would it be you? >> reporter: so what will julia do today? will she be able to put all those lessons to good use when our ice cream man shows up? >> i'm very curious about how today's going to go, to see if,

like, she can now apply it to the real world. >> reporter: her dad is worried that even though she's had so much training, in the end, peer pressure will be the deciding factor. >> my prediction is she'll go with the group. >> hi. my name's julia. i'm 8 years old. >> reporter: she's working side by side with two other girls she's never met before. >> hi. my name is breanna, and i'm 7 years old. >> my name is allison. i'm 9 years old. >> reporter: so what about the other girls? allison's mom has taught her daughter to trust her instincts. >> we tell her that little voice that's telling you something is wrong, you need to listen to that. >> reporter: but breanna's mom is worried her daughter might be too trusting, and, therefore, easily swayed. >> i hope not enough to go and do something that normally would be, you know, out of the norm. it's a very dangerous situation to get in. ♪ >> it's an ice cream truck! >> reporter: the girls are excited as our actor approaches them. >> what are you guys doing? >> painting. >> painting? painting what? >> they're things for the troops. >> for the troops? really? you know what?

you're working so hard. how would you guys like some free ice cream? >> reporter: will the police officer's daughter and our two other girls say no to free ice cream? and what about a tour of the truck? >> ooh. oh, geez. >> oh, my goodness. >> and coming up later -- natalie's son, josh, and his friends. >> that's the ice cream truck! ice cream! >> ice cream! >> will they pass the tempting ice cream test? >> what are you guys doing? >> josh. come on. >> when "my kid would never do that" continues. but what about your wrinkles. neutrogena® rapid wrinkle repair. it has the fastest retinol formula available. it's clinically proven to visibly reduce wrinkles in just one week. "why wait if you don't have to." rapid wrinkle repair.

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(sfx: loud thud sound) what a strange place. geico®. fifteen minutes could save you fifteen percent or more on car insurance. ♪ ice cream truck! >> the police officer's daughter julia, and two other girls are about to get an offer from a man they don't know. >> hey, guys, how are you? >> good. >> julia, breanna, and allison are working on a poster to send to our armed forces. >> you know what? you're working so hard. how would you guys like some free ice cream? >> yeah. >> reporter: will these girls and the cop's daughter take the bait and be lured into a stranger's vehicle? remember, her dad teaches stranger safety in schools. >> they're going right in.

>> there she goes. >> ooh, geez. >> reporter: the police officer can't believe the girls are following the ice cream man like he's a pied piper. >> do you like have strawberry? >> have you guys ever been in the truck? >> no. >> no? >> reporter: now the moment of truth. can our actor convince them to do something they know is wrong? >> why don't you guys come check it out? it's so cool in here. >> reporter: their parents can't look away. the police officer's daughter moves closer to the truck door. and the other girls follow her. then breanna, whose mom worried her daughter might be too trusting, asks a question. >> we could get in there? >> yeah. i could show you how everything works, the music, everything. >> oh, gosh. >> reporter: will julia and allison join her? >> one second. come here. this is a scam. i know it. >> reporter: the look of a proud father. >> she just walked over, said we're not getting in there. >> reporter: meanwhile, breanna is getting the full tour.

>> how would you like to turn on the music? >> sure. >> reporter: as she plays inside the truck, something dawns on her. >> i hope it's okay with my father. >> reporter: breanna's mom is crushed. >> i'm so upset that she's in that truck. so trusting. >> reporter: our actor turns his attention back to the other girls. >> come on, guys, don't you want to see this? >> reporter: so far, the police officer's daughter and allison have refused to get in the truck. >> no. we want to work. >> reporter: our actor tries one more time with the ice cream. >> you guys want free ice cream? come on. which one would you like? >> spider-man. >> spider-man? >> reporter: well, nobody's perfect. >> what would you like? >> anything. >> they all went for the free ice cream. they bit. >> thank you. >> reporter: eventually, breanna gets out of the truck. >> have a good one. >> really nice. >> let's have our ice cream. >> i never got free ice cream before. never in my life.

>> reporter: we all go out to speak to the girls. >> how's the ice cream? >> it's good. >> yeah? are you wondering why all these cameras are around here? >> yeah. we'll be on a movie. >> reporter: when i tell them what we're up to, julia says even though she took the ice cream, she thought something was fishy. >> why did a free ice cream truck just come along and say, hey, you want some free ice cream? >> but you know that happens in real life. >> some people get carried away and they never see their parents again. >> so your dad has taught you very well, right? >> of course he did. >> reporter: breanna's not sure what to make of all of this. >> come on over. you want to talk to your daughter? >> reporter: breanna's mother wants to be certain her daughter learned something valuable today. >> if they say come and see my ice cream truck, come and see my puppy, what are you supposed to say? >> no. >> and in what type of voice? >> a loud voice. >> in a loud voice, so other people can hear you. don't you ever go up to a stranger and do that again, okay, breanna?

because we would be very sad if something happened to you. >> you don't need to be a police officer to make sure your child learns good safety skills. >> reporter: but our expert, michele borba, says like julia's dad, you have to be repetitive. it's not a one-time conversation. >> teaching your child over and over those street smart safety skills will help in the end. >> reporter: as i hug a tearful breanna, i can't help but wonder what's going to happen when my son, josh, and his two friends are greeted by our friendly ice cream man. unlike the last group, who didn't know each other, the three boys have been friends for years. >> i've known josh since he was 6. >> reporter: will that make it even harder for them to say no? >> if josh kind of sees malcolm doing something and hudson, i think he feels like it's okay to go ahead and do it too. >> hi. my name is josh. >> hi. my name's hudson. >> hi. my name is malcolm. >> thank you for your service. >> what else is new? anything? >> reporter: malcolm's mom, amy,

and hudson's mom, allison, are my friends. we've all made an effort to teach our boys what to do if they're ever approached by a stranger. >> i've given them some scenarios where they might be in danger if somebody says, oh, little boy, come over here and help me find my son or help me look for my dog. >> i have specifically talked about not accepting food or candy or ice cream because malcolm has a sweet tooth. and i'm just afraid that something like that would lure him right in. >> i've taught josh from the moment he was a toddler and could really understand stranger danger. >> right. >> in the last couple of years, i feel he's very trusting of people now. it's tough. it's really tough. >> reporter: all three of us are worried our sons will get in the truck. but the moms are betting on my son to be the one to say no. >> i have to say i do think josh will be the one with the voice of reason. >> you think so? oh, my god. i hope you're right. >> i think it all depends on the influence of the others. josh may think twice about getting on the truck. >> reporter: now it's my turn to

watch my kid and hope he would never get in a vehicle with a stranger. >> all right. going to rinse this off. i'll be back. >> reporter: out goes our producer. and in comes the ice cream truck. ♪ >> that's the ice cream truck! ice cream! >> ice cream! >> hey, guys. >> hey. >> what are you guys doing? >> making -- >> we're making something for the troops. >> really? >> yeah. >> wow, guys. that's awesome. do you guys want some ice cream? >> josh. come on. >> i'm like partly almost crying, but at the same time, i can't believe that. >> want some ice cream?

♪ my friends and i are watching our sons on hidden cameras as they're approached by a strange. >> hey, guys. >> like with all the other groups today, our fake ice cream man interrupts them while they work on a poster for the military. >> well, you know what? my company gives out free ice

cream to people who do things for the troops. you guys want some? >> yes. >> yeah! >> okay. >> reporter: hudson and malcolm follow the ice cream man. but not my son josh. >> you don't want to come? want some ice cream? >> reporter: he stays behind the table. my fingers are crossed that he'll remember everything i've taught him about stranger safety. >> come on, josh. >> check it out. >> oh, my god. >> reporter: they all want the ice cream. but will they go in the truck to get it? >> you guys ever been in an ice cream truck? >> no. >> reporter: we prepare ourselves to see what the boys will decide. >> no? >> come on, guys. >> reporter: hudson and malcolm don't even wait for our actor to pull out the stool. they dive right into the truck. >> oh, you want to climb? >> oh, this is cool. >> right? >> reporter: but my son hangs back. i know he's thinking he shouldn't get in. >> is this really an ice cream

truck? >> yeah. >> my god. i'm feeling -- i knew he was going to get on that truck. >> reporter: still, it's hard for me to watch. >> you want the spider-man? we've got dora the explorer. >> that one. >> you want this one? >> i want that one. >> i'm like partly almost crying, but at the same time, i can't believe that. >> you got it, buddy. >> thanks. >> and you want? >> reporter: the reality of what our boys have done sets in. >> it's hard. he could have slammed those doors and -- >> and just driven off. >> mm-hmm. >> reporter: once josh gets his ice cream, he darts off the truck and runs for safety behind the table. >> you guys want to know how the music works? >> no, thanks. >> reporter: even peer pressure won't get him this time. >> hey, josh, you want to see how the music works? >> reporter: as he shakes his head, i know in my heart josh can't wait for the stranger to leave.

his friends are still playing in the truck. >> you could play with it if you want. >> reporter: finally, the boys get off the truck, and our ice cream man leaves. >> bye, guys. >> bye. >> reporter: josh tells his friends he's suspicious. >> i didn't trust that man. >> how come? >> because my dad told me that -- do you know what? that could have been a stranger trying to get you in and trying to kidnap you. >> reporter: it was a proud moment for me to hear josh tell his friends what he had been taught, although i wish it had been sooner. >> see, i told you he'd be the most levelheaded. >> yeah, but he got on that truck with them. >> hey, we got ice cream. >> it's good. >> he spilled his ice cream on the floor. >> reporter: we sent our actor back. >> he's coming back.

>> we should make a run for it. >> to test the boys one last time. >> hey, guys, by the way, don't tell your parents i gave you that. all right? and that you came on the truck. i could get in trouble. all right? >> mm-hmm. >> got it, guys? >> okay. >> enjoy the ice cream. all right? >> okay. >> reporter: will the boys tell us about the ice cream man? >> maybe we can just go inside. >> they form a huddle to decide what to do next. >> don't tell them about the ice cream. just throw it on the floor. >> mom's coming. >> reporter: they charge toward me, shouting about their encounter with a stranger. >> a guy in an ice cream truck and he was trying to like -- he let us in the truck and he gave us free ice cream. >> come here. >> reporter: they told me all about the free ice cream, but not so much about getting in the truck. >> was there more to it? did he try to get you to come with him anywhere? >> yeah. he like -- he offered us to go in the truck. >> did you go on the truck with him? >> malcolm did. >> no, you did too. everybody did. >> you did too? >> yes, he did. >> but then i went out quickly. >> okay. come here, guys. >> reporter: i bring them into the tent to show them the hidden

cameras. >> this is all part of a test to see how you guys would react if a stranger came up to you. >> really? >> okay? we were watching. see, there's a camera in there. there's a camera there. and there's a camera in there. >> you saw us? >> your moms and i were in the back room watching you. >> oh, come on. >> and what we saw made us very scared. okay? what you did today could have been the difference -- it could have been somebody taking off with you in the truck. and you said that. but you got on that truck. why? why did you get on the truck? >> sorry, mommy. >> no, i know, sweetie. i know you're sorry. but you understand what we're doing here, guys? okay? >> yeah. >> i think that's a real parenting moment, when you realize that no matter how much i've had the talk with him, and i feel like i've played out scenarios, it's still not sinking in. >> the only piece that we need to go up a notch is if you're with your friends. your friends may push you to do something that you know is wrong.

in the end, what you need to be able to do is a strong no and then run. >> reporter: our expert did give josh high marks for quickly exiting the truck. >> but i kept watching with conscious and gut instinct very alive in that child and well. >> so i'm not doing a bad job parenting? >> you're doing a wonderful job parenting. >> reporter: for all you parents who are hoping "my kid would never be tricked for a stranger," borba has one more piece of advice to help keep your child safe. >> start with one rule. always look at the color of the talker's eyes. the fascinating thing is it actually makes your child hold their head up. it makes their whole body look confident and stronger. we need to teach our kids to be assertive, be strong, and learn how to say no from an early age. >> how would you handle the situation now? >> i'd punch him. >> what else would you do? you would run and find me. okay? we're okay, guys. we're okay.