y with us for natalie morales and the return of a special "dateline" series, "my kid would never do that." i'm lester holt. thanks for joining us. \s \s a 12-year-old girl home alone, a man she barely knows at the door. >> i have one quick measurement to do >> will she let him in? >> i would really be surprised if she does. >> let's see if your kid would never do that. >> you have talked to your kids about strangers, but what about someone they have met once or twice before, like a contractor? >> hey, what's up, man. john. remember me? >> yeah. >> would your child get in his truck? >> can you just go in the middle? >> i'm going to happened this to you. >> with actors trying to lure kids, we find out whether they know how to stay safe. she is getting right by the truck. >> mind hopping in there, we can get it all the way in the back? >> parents nearby in our watch

mobile, seeing it all unfold. >> my heart's pounding. >> this is scary. uh-huh. >> some kids will ace it. >> how you feeling? >> good. >> some won't. >> dude, you just got kidnapped. >> dolly, what are you feeling right now? >> somebody could have just taken my son. >> then watchize put my own son to the test. get away from him. it's nerve wracking. grab the kids and watch this one together. you're the hero of the day. all right. whoo! it's the return of "dateline's" "my kid would never do that." hi, everyone, i'm natalie morales morales. you have probably talked to your kids about stranger danger, but in real life, it's not usually a stranger who tries to lure a child, it's someone they've met before. would your child know how to stay safe? we put some great kids to the test, their parents watching the whole time from inside our watch mobile. and they wanted their children

to take part in our demonstration in hopes of inspiring a vital conversation we should all be having. [ door bell rings ] [ dog barks ] >> we are at it again. >> what the hell are you doing? >> testing kids to see how they react to difficult situations. >> which one, bud? >> when they think no one is watching. >> that's gun. >> from spotting what looks like a deadly weapon. >> a gun! >> to confronting someone acting like a cyber bully. >> you're crossing lines and it's not funny anymore. >> we are struggling with a difficult subject of teenagers and sex. >> this is awkward. >> and we will see it all unfold from here, inside our watch mobile. >> we have taken this air stream trailer and we have transformed it into a secret command center for parents. it's filled with monitors hooked up to hidden cameras so that moms and dads can catch all the

action. # our watch mobile will travel across the country from suburban streets to a school in florida. wherever we are testing kids, it will be parked nearby. >> no! no! >> and parents will be inside waiting to see what their kids will do. >> don't do it! don't do it! >> reporter: and tonight, "my kid would never do that ""is going back to a subject every parent worries about, including me. have we done enough to keep our kids safe from potential predators? i asked myself that question right here a couple of years ago, putting my own son to the test. that's the ice cream truck. >> reporter: i watched on hidden camera as 8-year-old josh and his friends were tempted by a stranger, posing as a friendly ice cream man. >> is this really the ice cream truck? >> yeah. >> reporter: and it didn't turn out the way i hoped.

i'm like partly almost crying, but at the same time, i can't believe that. now, we are going to put kids to the stranger danger test again. >> we are ready to go. >> reporter: but there is a big difference. we have new lessons and a critical new twist. >> you remember my name? >> reporter: patty fitzgerald who teaches safety to kids and parents says predators usually target children they know. >> most abductions aren't really cases of stranger danger, right? >> right. 90% are somebody the family knows, the child knows,less's not a stranger. >> reporter: she says that's why tonight's test is so important. we will see what happens when kids are approached by a man they met once before. >> eric, what's up, man, john. remember me? >> reporter: >> yeah. >> reporter: will kids forget what they were taught and get

into his truck on the videoet? >> we lost our son. >> reporter: our watch mobile is in california and time for our test. our first skid 12-year-old sam. his mother has just started leaving him home alone. he is very outgoing. he is really a smart boy, super friendly, very friendly. >> reporter: sam's mom has told him never to answer the door when she is not there. but she is serious to see what he will do in a situation with someone he has met before. so, for this test, we hired an actor to play john, the crack contractor. we wired him with hidden cameras then sent him to their house. >> how is it going? nice to meet you. >> reporter: that's when he met sam, who thought he was there to taken an estimate. >> what's your name? >> sam. >> sam, john, nice to meet you. >> reporter: we instructed our actor to be friendly, establish a rapport. he praises sam's artwork. >> this is terrific, man. >> thanks. >> reporter: then, a few days later, sam's mom tells him she

is going out to run errands. >> love you. okay. love you, too. >> reporter: she leaves him alone in the house, bu really joins me in the watch mobile, parked right around the corner. >> you can tell i'm nervous. >> reporter: nervous she hasn't made it clear to her son that just because he has melt someone before doesn't mean he should open the door when he is home alone. so, what are your predictions? >> i predict that sam will let him right in. >> how would you feel about it if he does let john right in? >> bad. i'm already getting upset, like i didn't do the right thing. >> reporter: now, our hidden cameras are rolling and we are watching as john, the contractor, walks up to their house. [ door bell rings ] will sam remember what to do? or will he let him inside?

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we are parked on a quiet street in our watchmobile, eyes glued to monitors hooked up to hidden cameras, trained on this house. 12-year-old, sam, is inside, about to make a critical decision. will he let a man he's met just

once before into the house while he's home alone? we set up our test this way. >> had is terrific, man. >> reporter: because most child pled doors respect strangers, but people kids have met. sam thinks his mom is out running errands. time to find out what he will do as we testimony our actor to go ring the door bell. >> my heart's pounding. >> yeah. [ door bell rings ] i have told him to hide. i have told him not to answer the door when i'm not home. >> yeah. >> for no one. not even the neighbor.

>> hey, what's up, sam, right? >> yeah. >> how's it going, man? everything good? i need to take a quick estimate for the air duct cleaning tomorrow in the back. can you tell me where the kitchen is? >> um, sure. >> yeah, thanks, man. just in the back for tomorrow. >> it's he is hardwhat hard to see that. >> he didn't even hesitate. just opened the door wide open. i hoped he would say let me call my mom. you till them and you tell them and you tell them. and they don't listen until you show them. >> mm-hmm. >> i think this is really important. >> hard but important. >> yeah. >> reporter: it's time for this mom to speak to her son. hi. how are you? >> good, how are you?

>> you may be wondering why all these tv cameras are here, light? i'm natalie and we are doing a show called "my kid would never go that." >> hmm. >> john, the contractor, the guy you know, he is really corey, an actor. oh >> oh, i did bad, didn't i? >> sam said he thought john could be trusted. >> he seemed like a nice guy but i sort of realize now that sometimes nice guys can be very bad ones. >> do you want to tell sam how you felt when he opened that door and what your reaction was? >> my heart was pounding and i started to cry. >> aw. it's all right. >> reporter: sam's mom says she is to blame for not teaching him that meeting someone once doesn't make them a safe person. >> this was a big teachable moment. >> yeah. >> reporter: so, for our next test, we found a mom who is convinced her 12-year-old

daughter, danielle, will know what to do. >> i would say if i know them doesn't mean you know them. don't open the door if i'm not home. don't talk to people who come by in the car. >> you feel like you have prepared her to pass the test? >> you know, i do. >> she says dan gel a born leader. >> she is an independent thinker. >> reporter: when danielle met our contractor a few days ago, they had a very friendly chat. >> i have an a-minus. >> smart. you have an a-minus. >> reporter: a few days later, will danielle trust our actor enough to let him in? danielle's mom leaves her home alone and joins me in the watchmobile, where we have hidden cameras watching the door. >> i would really be surprised and sad if she does answer the door. >> let's see if your kid would never do that.

>> okay. >> reporter: this time, it's dark out when john comes knocking. [ door bell rings ] >> she watches intensely as her daughter approaches the door. [ dogs barking ] >> reporter: and then --. my god, she opens the door. >> remember me, john? i have one quick measurement to do? >> reporter: danielle's mom can't believe her eyes as sh her daughter lets john in and then makes one critical mistake. >> sorry, my parents aren't home now. >> reporter: she lets the actor know she is home alone. >> oh, i'm in shock. i'm in complete shock she did that. >> reporter: a 12-year-old girl alone in the house with a man she barely knows. >> i'm heartbroken at the possibilities that this means for her. >> reporter: we go inside to talk to danielle and tell her what's going on. your mom and i, we were watching

you with hidden cameras, doing a show called "my kid would never do that." i tell her john was an actor we hired to test her. >> guess what you did? >> i let him in. [ laughter ] >> i'm so shocked. >> why did you trust him? >> i don't know. i don't know. just a feeling. i didn't think he was gonna do anything wrong. >> the only reason why i agreed to do this is hopefully, it will cause parents to talk to their kids over and over again in ways that might save their lives. all right. i love you. she is a great kid. >> she is a great kid. >> reporter: our expert says there is one clear message you should give your kids. >> if you're going out and your kids are on their own, it's don't open the door for anybody unless the house is burning down and you're running out. >> reporter: don't answer the door no matter what seems like simple advice but as kids become

mores inpen dent, it takes even more to keep them safe. so, for our next scenario, we are putting kids to the test where they least expect it. now, john the contractor will run into them on the street. >> oh, what's up, guys? how are you? >> reporter: it's a parents' worst fear. >> oh, yeah, you want a ride? >> reporter: will john be able to whisk them away? first up is 14-year-old eric, an outgoing kid with his own youtube channel. his parents say eric is used to walking home from school by himself and they have taught him to be wary of potentially dangerous people. >> as much as we have to be careful, i want them to also feel that they are in a safe environment. >> reporter: now, that's got them worried. will eric know what to do in a tricky situation with someone who seems like a perfectly nice guy? >> how's it going? i'm john. >> reporter: a few days earlier, john the contractor was at their

house, eric thought, to fix the ac. >> that's cool, man. >> you did chat with him at our house. so, there's definitely familiarity. >> reporter: now, we have set up hidden cameras at a building a few blocks from eric's house. we will arrange it so eric runs into the friendly contractor again, this time, our actor will say he needs some help and ask eric to get in his truck. so, let me get your prediction. what do you think he will do? >> i think he will help and then when it's, like, hey, can you hop in the car, i think it's gonna click with eric, you know what i'm not comfortable with that. >> eric, what's up.up? >> john, remember me? >> reporter: will he walk away or fall for the trap? >> do you mind helping me out real quick? >> reporter: coming up, eric's home of decision. >> can you just go in the middle and i'm going to happened this to you? >> reporter: and then two brothers are put to the test. dolly, what are you feeling right now? when "dateline" continues. yeah... that's cool no...

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>> reporter: 14-year-old eric knows never to get into a car with a stranger. his parents have taught him that since he was little. but this test is different. we are about to find out what eric will do when he runs into a

man he has actually met before. >> how's it going? i'm john. >> reporter: john is really an actor playing a contractor. now, john is parked on a street, where he will run into eric and attempt to lure him into his truck. eric's mom and dad are with me around the corner in the watchmobile. they are worried that this is a trick their helpful son may fall for. you ready to see how he does? >> yes. let's see. >> reporter: their eyes are glued to our hidden camera monitors, as eric walks out onto the street and sees our actor. >> what's up, man? john. remember me? >> yeah. >> reporter: as our actor draws eric in, his parents are holding their breath. >> finishing work, do you mind helping me out with this real quick? >> no problem. no problem, i'll help. >> reporter: now, as their son steps toward that open door -- >> can you just go in the middle, and i'm going to hand this to you?

>> reporter: his parents aren't surprised he agreed to help but pray he will know better than to get in the truck. >> you just want to grab -- >> he's a goner. >> got him right in there. >> so just grab that. okay. >> reporter: our actor shuts the door and drives off with eric in the truck. >> we just lost our son. >> oh. >> what were you feeling in that moment when that door closed? >> that was the killer moment, because as long as the door was open, it could go either way. once the door is closed, he is gone. >> reporter: his stunned parents go outside to meet eric. our actor only drove around the corner and dropped him off at the watchmobile. what's up, eric? you're actually here for a show called "my kid would never do that." what were you thinking, what were you feeling when he was asking you for help? >> i was thinking i know i guess i could help him with a favor. >> did you really know him? >> not entirely. you know.

>> reporter: eric says his parents always taught him to be polite to others. >> you know, we trained you growing up to be helpful, but there's this gray area in the middle where we got in trouble because it was like once you got in the car, it could be over, just like that. >> reporter: our expert says that gray area involving people we are familiar with is the hardest. so, what do we tell our kids when even we as parents are letting these people into our homes who we don't really know that much about? >> asking a kid for help is one of the oldest tricks in the book because predators know we are teaching our kids to be nice. what we really need to do is teach this case safe adults don't ask kids for help. >> reporter: eric had to make a quick decision all by himself on the street. so we wondered, would kids feel stronger and be more likely to do the right thing when they are not alone? for our next test, we have two brothers. their parents say 13-year-old ude is the responsible one who

always follows directions. >> he is the protector. he likes to watch over his brother. >> reporter: but they worry about 11-year-old surij, the family rebel, who likes to break the rules and do things his way. do you feel like you talk to him about the issue of stranger danger? >> we actually talk to them, they are not even supposed to get into our friends' cars. they are supposed to call us first. >> so the rule is always call you first? >> yes. >> reporter: once again, we sent our actor, playing john the contractor, to their house a few days earlier. >> john. nice to meet you. >> hello. >> what do you guys like to do for fun? >> soccer in the park. >> soccer in the park. >> the minute he said he played soccer, surij is all glued. they were his friend. >> reporter: that fears that may cloud his judgment when john tries to get him in the truck? do you think my kids would never do that? >> no. sure. sure. >> all right, let's find out.

>> reporter: we are watching as the boys head on to the street for a short walk home and run right into john the contractor. >> oh, what's up, guys? how are you? you are the one that plays soccer, right? >> yeah. >> reporter: and their parents are on pins and needles as john reels them in. hey, can one of you jump in there to help me put this in? >> reporter: the boys step closer. their parents hope they remember the rules and call them first before ever getting in. then surij, the family rule breaker, does something terrifying. >> wow. >> reporter: but his old brother, the responsible one, holds back, keeping one foot on the sidewalk. so ude is not feeling so good about this. >> reporter: their parents are relieved when surij hops out of the truck. they want their boys to walk away. >> so just hop in here, shut the door, i'm going to go right there. >> reporter: but instead, their parents watch in horror as the truck

pulls away. dolly, what are you feeling right now? >> that somebody could have just taken my son. >> yeah, it's hard. i've been there i have been in your shoes and i know, it's an eye-opening home and you see that door shut on your kid. you say my kid would never do that. >> he got into a stranger's car and closed the door. you don't know him. right? >> just one minute. >> what if he just took you? what if it was somebody else and just took you? >> reporter: ude says he knew this was dangerous and tried to snap a photo of the truck's license plate. you had good instincts. is there something could you have done to have been more per base is sive with your brother? >> i could have grabbed him and walked away. no, we got to go. >> do you feel like you learned something really important here today? >> yeah. >> are you glad you did this? >> yeah, really glad i did this.

>> there you go. >> reporter: as we have seen, even parents trying their best have a tough time getting the message across to their kids. but what about a parent who knows the dangers of predators firsthand? >> she knows that i was in a bad situation. >> reporter: will her daughter be the first kid we meet -- >> hey -- >> reporter: to know exactly what to do. >> you want a ride? coming up, sophie makes a split-second decision. >> want to jump on in there? okay. i will help you. >> moment of truth. ♪ ♪ ♪ nothing will keep you from magnum double caramel. silky vanilla bean ice cream and rich caramel sauce all covered in thick chocolate. magnum, the only

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all the parnellents we met want to keep their children safe from predators but 12-year-old sophie's mom has a personal reason. >> she knows i was in a bad situation because i went into a stranger's home. >> how old were you then when that happened? -i was 7. >> reporter: sophie's mom says when she was a child a neighbor lured her into his house and sexually assaulted her. she shared some of it with her daughter. just enough, she hopes, to keep her safe and alert. what have you told her? >> just be aware of your surroundings. don't make yourself a target.

if you don't put yourself in a situation, you're not gonna pick on you. >> reporter: she says she trustsstincts and started letting her walk to places aloan. independent? >> independent. wants to do everything herself, one of those kind of gals. i will do it. i will do it. >> reporter: did sophie's mom do enough to prepare her for this test? remember, most predators respect strangers but people who kids have met before. >> john. nice to meet you. >> reporter: earlier in the week, john the contractor dropped by their house and talked to sophie about paint colors for her room. now, a few days later, as john waits to run into sophie on the sidewalk, her mom is around the corner with me in the watchmobile. what do you think she will do? >> she will poe lightly decline. >> let's see if your kid would never do that. >> okay. >> reporter: as sophie steps out onto the sidewalk, john is right there to strike up a

conversation. >> hey. what's up? did you decide on a paint for your room? >> he is good. >> reporter: our actor has sophie drawn in and keeps her talking. now, he is gonna try to get her in the vehicle. help me put this in? >> yeah. >> she is getting right by the truck. >> do you mind hopping in there so we can get it all the way in the back? i will hand it to you. you just want to jump on in there? hey, i will help you up. >> moment of truth. >> reporter: it looks like sophie's about to get in. >> hey, i will help you -- >> but then -- she refuses. her mom is overjoyed. as sophie turns to leave, our actor tries again. >> where are you heading now? >> just to some friends' house. >> oh, yeah, you want a ride? >> that's all right. >> reporter: sophie refuses again and makes up an easy

excuse to turn down a ride. >> my friends just live down the street. >> okay. have a great day. >> how are you feeling? >> good. good. >> reporter: it's an emotional moment. now time to meet sophie. our producer has her waiting around the corner. this is a show called my ded "my kid would never do that." so how did you feel when john, the contractor, was really an actor was asking you to help him? >> i didn't really know him that well and thinking he could push me in, i kind of had to, like, cut him off and just leave. >> reporter: just like her mom taught her. >> and now i feel a little safer. i feel a little better when you're out and about and not so worried. >> reporter: so, what your mom has told you maybe made a difference? >> she was tricked into going into someone's house and she couldn't get out. >> does that always stay with you now? is that in the back of your mind?

like were you thinking about that? >> yeah. >> come on in, mom. let's do group hug. >> reporter: our experts say sophie's victory is a lesson for all families. >> sophie's mom gave her just enough information so that sophie knew the world suspect terrible and bad, but we are gonna give you the tools so you can be out there. >> and sophie also had a good excuse, like, on the ready. >> you want a ride? >> my friends live down the street. >> what i like to tell kids is don't get into a long conversation. all you have to do is, sorry, dude, can't. and then get out of there. >> reporter: sophiestincts when approach to go back to a subject parents still worry about complete strangers with lures kids find hard to resist. in the past, we have tested young kids with an ice cream truck. now, we wanted to target older, but still vulnerable kids, teams and tweens. the predators are getting more savvy to keep up with the kids. >> yeah.

they might be slimy, but they are smart. and they know, i'm gonna talk like a kid, i'm gonna know what the kids like. >> reporter: and because so many kids like video games, we decided to rent a mobile video game truck to see if anyone would follow a complete stranger inside. you may have seen gaming trucks like this at parties, where the activities are supervised and run by reputable business people who would never consider luring or harming a child. we are not talking about that. we are looking at how kids respond to strangers and while abductions by strangers are rare, when they happen, our expert says its ease older kids who make the perfect victims. they are more vulnerable because they feel more invincible. we stop talking about safety. >> and predators know they can be easier targets? >> yeah. >> reporter: now that my son, josh is a little older, i will be testing him again and i hope he has learned his lesson. this time, will he or any of our

kids be able to say no? coming up, this mom has taken her son to a special safety class, but will he protect his little brothers when tempted by a stranger with this? >> there's four tvs with an xbox, wii and play station. you guys want to come check out the trailer? and then, a boy scout takes our test. so you're saying my kid would never do that? >> that's what i'm saying. >> when "dateline" continues. ♪baby, baby, babe♪

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now we rented a video game truck to find out if kids will follow a complete stranger inside. 12-year-old zack and his 9-year-old twin brothers, ben and josh, love video games but their mom a parenting blogger, he's cement zack to a special safety class where he learned about predators and how to avoid them. >> we went through that whole training and talked to them over and over and over much. >> reporter: she hopes zack will do the right thing and stop his brothers from falling for this trap. >> they follow their big brother's lead. for sure. they look up to him. >> reporter: for our test, we have invited the kids to this outdoor studio where they think

they are participating in a story about first aid. >> so this is how this is gonna go. >> reporter: they will be making safe kits, no idea that their mom is with me, watching it all on hidden cameras. >> i'm nervous to see what happens. you know, it's one thing to know it and another thing to actually act on it. >> video game truck pulls up. what are you thinking? do they get in? >> i think that they are gonna be a little hesitant. >> okay. here we go. >> thanks, guys. >> our producer leaves the boys alone and that's when the video game truck pulls up with our actor operating it. >> hey, guys. what's going on? hey, i got a quick question for you guys, you guys like video games? yeah? >> oh oh. >> reporter: the twins seem excited. they are like -- >> reporter: and their mom is on the edge of her seat. >> there's four tvs with an xbox, wii and play station. >> reporter: now, watch zack.

>> you guys want to come check out the trailer? >> reporter: he is about to make a decision? >> we are going to go get my mom, okay? >> what? >> come on, guys, let's go. >> reporter: zack wants to get help and find an adult. smart kid. immediately sensed danger. >> the twins hesitate. but zack is firm. >> no ben and josh, come on. >> reporter: they run inside where our producer meets them. >> there's some guy outside. >> he has video games. >> that's really impressive. zack, he immediately right away said, come on, guys. >> reporter: time to go tell zack how proud his mothersome your brothers are lucky to have such a great big brother. they really r >> you are. a great big brother. >> when the guy pulled up, what was it that made you think that this might be a dangerous situation? >> my mom and dad always talked to me about strangers coming up

to me and saying help me find my dog or help me with something. >> you're our hero today. you're the hero of the day. >> yes, you are. [ applause ] >> reporter: safety expert patty fitting gerald says zack is an example for all kids, don't be embarrassed to say no to strangers. >> i tell kids be a big mouth kid. it is okay to yell, to scream, to say, whoa, stop! >> reporter: we are ready to try this again. are you still a boy scout? >> yes. >> reporter: next up is 14-year-old jason. >> do the best you can. >> reporter: his parents say as a boy scout, jason a is a stick letter for safety. >> he is pretty cautious. i make him put the alarm on if he is on. doesn't have to answer the door. knows no to talk to strangers. >> reporter: and though he loves video games, they predict he will never fall for this lure. >> i don't think woe go in. >> you're saying my kid would never do that?

>> i would be very surprised. very surprised. [ video game sounds ] >> how are you doing? >> good. >> reporter: as our actor starts setting up, jason seems wary. >> you like video games? >> sort of. >> sort of? >> not too great at video games. >> not too good at them. >> don't play much. >> but jason really loves video games. seems like he knows this is a bad situation, but then -- >> you like "mine craft" >> yeah, i play "mine craft." >> we got the strobe lights. can you see them from outside? >> not from outside. >> remember, jason's parents are sure he won't get in h. >> check this out. come on, let me show you something. watch this. if you get them all set up, the lights start changing. >> what are you thinking right now? >> wow. >> that's crazy. >> then it gets worse. >> closed the door on him. what are you feeling right now?

>> i'm pretty blown away. very surprised. >> reporter: there's jason playing games inside a dark trailer with a man he's never met. one minute goes by, then five minutes. then ten minutes. jason is's in there so long, it gets dark outside. >> this is scary. >> mm-hmm. very surprising. >> very surprising. >> come over here. >> we finally instruct our actor to bring jason to the watchmobile, where we tell him what's really going on. >> hi. >> i'm natalie. >> hi. >> nice to meet you. >> nice to meet you, too. >> are you taking a look around and kind of wondering what's going on? the whole idea was your parents wanted to see how you would do in a situation where you would be tempted by a stranger. do you guys with ant to talk to your son? >> you just got kidnapped. i never thought you would get in there. >> you just went off with a stranger into an unsecured environment. >> that truck could have been driven off.

>> you have no idea how scary that is to us. >> what was it about him that made you think you could trust him? >> um, it was that he didn't really, like, show any real signs of trying to kidnap me or anything. >> but that's how predators work. this whole thing is gonna help other children and other families. that's the whole point of this. >> right. >> all these parents hoped the kids we have tested will be stronger now and better able to handle tricky situations. and it's a personal matter for this mom, too. we have one more test and this time, the nervous parent in the watchmobile is me. coming up, the video truck pulls up in my neighborhood. >> you see this thing, man? >> it's nerve wracking.

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inside our watchmobile, i have been sitting with nervous parents. my heart's pounding. >> as we hav in tricky situations with adults. >> oh, yeah? you want a ride? >> as a mom, i felt their triumphs. as well as their pain. >> oh, my gosh, i am -- i'm in shock. >> reporter: and now, it's my turn in the hot seat. i'm getting ready to find out if

my son will fall for the video game lure. here they are. i've been through this before, when my son, josh, was 8, we tested him and his friends, malcolm and hudson, to find out what they would do when approached by a man in an ice cream truck. the other mom, my friends, predicted my son would do the right thing. >> i have to say, i do think josh would be the one -- the voice of reason. >> you think so? >> i do. oh, my gosh, i hope you're right. >> that's the ice cream truck. ice creme! >> we were watching as the ice cream truck pulled up. >> what are you guys doing? you want some ice cream? >> their moms and i were balls of nerves. >> you guys ever been in an ice cream truck? >> no. i want to go in. >> come on, guys. >> reporter: we were shocked as hudson, then malcolm climbed into the truck. >> oh, you want to climb? >> oh. >> this is cool! >> right?

>> yes! >> reporter: my son hung back. >> is this really the ice cream truck? >> yeah. >> reporter: but then, he couldn't resist. >> my gosh. >> i'm like partly almost crying but at the same time, i can't believe that. >> all right. you got it, buddy. >> thanks. >> it's hard. i think he slammed those doors right. >> and off. >> reporter: once off the truck. >> bye, guys. >> reporter: josh seemed to know that he did something wrong. >> guys, you know what i didn't trust that man. >> how come? >> 'cause my dad told me that, um, do you know what, that could have been a stranger trying to get you in and trying to kidnap you. >> hey, look, we got ice cream. >> reporter: then i came outside and told them what was up. >> i want to talk to you in here. this was all part of a test to see how you guys would react if a stranger came up to you. >> really? >> 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 do you understand what we're doing here, guys, okay? >> yeah. >> reporter: now, three years later, i wonder if josh still remembers what he learned. >> grill master. >> reporter: this time, he is in middle school and i have given him more freedom than ever before. and like many kids his age, he loves video games. so, what would he do if a stranger asked him to get inside this van? to find out, we have moved our test room from southern california to my neighborhood in new jersey. this actor will run into my son and his friend, hudson, on the street and try to draw them in.

the boys have no idea hudson's mom and i will be watching down the block. so we did this once before. it did not go so well. >> no, it didn't. >> no. >> i'm extremely nervous. really worried about what's going to happen. >> how are you feeling? >> i'm very nervous. as a mom, i feel like i've said all the right thing, i have talked to them over and over but they are so curious, that maybe enough to make them not do the right thing. ha, here we go. >> good luck. >> reporter: as our actor waits, we have arranged for jr. and hudson to run an errand on a street they are allowed to walk down alone. >> is nerve wracking. >> reporter: as they approached our van. >> come on, honey. >> come on, josh. you got this. >> reporter: our actor makes his move. >> what's up, dudes? >> here we go natalie. >> oh oh. >> oh, nice kick, man. what do you play soccer or something? >> just keep walking, boys.

>> get away from him. >> yo, you see this thing, man? >> the boys see the video games and hesitate. >> don't stop and talk, josh. >> come on. go, boys, go. >> but then -- >> you guys want to check this out? >> no. >> no? >> nope. >> yes. oh, natalie. >> and with that, they walk away. >> no? >> i am so relieved. i am so happy. >> thank you. >> now we know that everything we have taught them, they are listening. >> i'm so proud of them. >> we go outside and tell them what's going on. >> come on over. did you guys even think to go in at all? >> no. >> were you scared at all? >> no. >> no? >> well, we were a little freaked out. >> yeah, me and josh are like we have to avoid this truck. >> hudson says he thought the white van looked suspicious and wanted to call the police. you should always be concerned. and especially your able, 'cause you guys think you're so invincible and you guy you can conquer the world, but you're

most vulnerable. good job! i'm so proud of you. for all you parents, you don't have to be on "my kid would never do that" to get the message across. our expert says instead of just talking about safety, role play with your kids and have them act out what they would do in these situations. >> teach them what to do when somebody approaches you with something interesting, even if that is somebody that you know, what's your game plan, what's your exit strategy, so, rather than just drop the kid in the deep end of the pool, you got to teach him how to swim first. >> that's all for this edition of "dateline." i will be back next sunday for another episode of "my kid would never do that." don't forget "dateline" thursday at 8/7 central. i'm natalie morales. for lester holt and all of us at nbc news, good night. leah: find him, kill him.

how much better if we were to win him back? he dragged men across the desert to kill me. our emperor has departed but he has left a present for jerusalem. a statue of his likeness. which he commands to be placed in the temple itself. this is about the destruction of the temple! we welcome saul as our brother in christ. you've all lost your minds. saul: simon. this is my fault. no, saul. i have to make it right. simon: i've heard that if you want to meet certain people then this is the place to come. levi: enemies of rome? so, talk. leah: he's here. caiaphas: find him. oh!