The Stay Alert Stay Safe program was created by the mother of Allison Parrot, an 11 year old girl who, on the morning of July 25, 1986, was lured by a predator under the guise of taking photos of her before a big track meet (she had often appeared in the local Toronto papers as she was a star athlete), raped and killed. I grew up with this program and had no idea of it's horrific origins until today.
Holy shhht. I just told my husband this, as we both grew up with this program and neither of us had any idea! He's always been a part of safety committees where he's been able to because of this program. Such a heartbreaking origin.
This Case Is A Great Reminder Ts Just As Likely And Possible For Strangers To Kidnap And Be The Perpetrators,Not Just People Who Know You,Because Most Of The Time We Think The Stranger Part Is Less Likely :)
@@Anna-hy4sb The P*do that did this to her is serving Life in Providence Prison in York, Ontario. He has no chance of parole. His name is Francis Carl Roy.
I remember a police officer would come to my elementary school every few months and this would be one of the PSA tapes he would show us. I always liked the animation and thought it was a cute way to teach kids like me at the time the dangers of strangers. Years later I found out the true reason why this PSA and SASS was created in the first place. It's really sad. :( R.I.P. Alison Parrott. She would have been 45 today.
Different era. In the 80s and 90s, the focus was on stranger danger. There was an idea that people close to us and our families could be trusted. Thankfully, this idea has begun to shift. Having said that, in the internet age, children still need to be taught to be mindful of how they interact and with whom online.
Kids then were a lot less aware of the whole stranger danger thing. Also, this whole PSA campaign was birthed by a stranger danger kidnapping and murder.
I remembered this PSA when I was a little girl and some car pulled up beside me and asked for directions. The lady was super pissed I didn’t get in the car with her. Thank you Bert and Gert, who knows what would have happened to me.
"You shouldn't answer the door to strangers when you're by yourself or let them know you're home alone." Me as a child in the 90's: Oh, the door is ringing? Hide and don't make a sound and peek through the blinds until the person goes away.
John Blundski The daughter of the campaign's creator, Alison Parrott, was raped and murdered in 1986, after being lured to a park by someone she didn't know. She was 11. Her mom worked for an ad agency, and created this campaign the following year.
OMG! I remember seeing these during commercial breaks on YTV, I took these tips very seriously lol....I dont know if it's just the area I live, but I havn't seen a Block Parent sign in years...
I distinctly remember being shown this while sitting on the gym floor in grade 1 and i couldn't get the song out of my head, still sing it to this day 10 years later
@@Baysidemom2 Some do, they try to coax someone into cooperation in case anyone is lurking around and can see them, so they dont want to have a struggle and potentially make a scene. Why have a struggle when you can just try to convince some ignorant child to come willingly? One doesn't work out, move on to try another sort of thing.
After i came back to Hong Kong from Canada, i havent saw this almost 30 years..i m like 32 now, omgosh this is so bring back to my memories.. this is just like yesterday...so surreal..
The mirror clip is the eeriest part of it all, I sure got the message at THAT age seeing this- Thank you for preserving this digital ancient T.V. artifact!! If a stranger stops to talk, *always social distance* !!
I remember watching these when I was a kid, I will make sure to make my kids watch this if I have any.. we should honestly have ads like this out now too
I was 8 back when I first saw this in 1991. Good times. My best friend's parents had a rule for him when answering the phone, while he was babysitting his sister. Let the answering machine pick up and if it was one of his parents, another relative or a friend, then and only then could he answer.
I feel so old I remember seeing this at 7 years old now am 27 20 year's later it's amazing what we remember as kids this help me grow up and Learn responsibility
Wow, our society is fucked up now. Back then, when I was a kid, we had commercials like this about staying away from strangers, now in this generation it's about saying no to drugs and alchohal and STD information. Great. Look at what we have become!!!
We had a secret knock if my parents ever stepped out to check the mail or take the dog out. It wasnt because my parents didn't carry a key, but in case anybody else comes to the door, we would know its not our parents and not to answer it.
I liked how everyone acted like it was normal seeing two anthropomorphic rabbits with hoverboards and keeping kids safe. Yeah, I'm sure that happens all the time in Canada.
Bert and his sister gert sure gave us some helpful tips and advice on how to avoid dangerous situations especially with folks we don't know and kinda know and how to avoid human trafficking.
You can tell this is Canadian because the kid apologized for not getting into the guys car? You don’t need to apologize for staying safe and declining a strangers offer 👏
I remember watching this in a safety assembly, just when this was released. Afterwards, we all got a comic book with all of these characters and their lessons. I wish I still had it.
Mine stole my drink so we’re going through old psa’s like “don’t put it in your mouth” so it’s easier for her to remember that she has to ask first. Songs are catchy and it’ll help. It was just a pop but lots of people add alcohol to their innocent looking drinks. With the holidays coming up now’s a good time to start learning about not taking things without asking us first.
This was created as a direct response to a series of child abductions and murders in Toronto, and the creator's daughter was raped and murdered by a stranger. Sure, it's not common, but it DOES happen sometimes so why not be prepared?
I little trip down nostalgia lane, then I'm gonna make a stop at memory street........ why tv be like I used to, I'm only here because I was a kid when this was on tv
"What should you do if someone stops and asks you for directions?" Tell them to fuck off and keep on driving, this is your turf and if they come any closer you'll cut 'em!
i was the voice actor for the little boy. I am so glad this is still popular!
So cool! I heard your voice in lots of cartoons when i was young!
Nice!
You’re a legend 🙏🏿
U were Daniel? Cool
Thank you so much!
The 90's, a time in history where magic like this was put onto the television. I miss those days.
GamerHats I was born 2002 and still remember this
They should still play these on TV today. This is important.
bluedragonfire rs
bluedragonfire stupid add. The internet is more effective
Except that people are cutting cables!
How do they give high fives with four digits ? 🤔
The last time I remember seeing those was on The Littlest Hobo, before they pulled that show off Saturday mornings.
The Stay Alert Stay Safe program was created by the mother of Allison Parrot, an 11 year old girl who, on the morning of July 25, 1986, was lured by a predator under the guise of taking photos of her before a big track meet (she had often appeared in the local Toronto papers as she was a star athlete), raped and killed. I grew up with this program and had no idea of it's horrific origins until today.
Holy shhht. I just told my husband this, as we both grew up with this program and neither of us had any idea! He's always been a part of safety committees where he's been able to because of this program. Such a heartbreaking origin.
This Case Is A Great Reminder Ts Just As Likely And Possible For Strangers To Kidnap And Be The Perpetrators,Not Just People Who Know You,Because Most Of The Time We Think The Stranger Part Is Less Likely :)
I had never knew that. That'd awful.
@@Anna-hy4sb The P*do that did this to her is serving Life in Providence Prison in York, Ontario. He has no chance of parole. His name is Francis Carl Roy.
I remember a police officer would come to my elementary school every few months and this would be one of the PSA tapes he would show us. I always liked the animation and thought it was a cute way to teach kids like me at the time the dangers of strangers. Years later I found out the true reason why this PSA and SASS was created in the first place. It's really sad. :( R.I.P. Alison Parrott. She would have been 45 today.
Most child molesters are someone the child and the parents know.
Different era. In the 80s and 90s, the focus was on stranger danger. There was an idea that people close to us and our families could be trusted. Thankfully, this idea has begun to shift. Having said that, in the internet age, children still need to be taught to be mindful of how they interact and with whom online.
Kids then were a lot less aware of the whole stranger danger thing. Also, this whole PSA campaign was birthed by a stranger danger kidnapping and murder.
Yeah But Strangers Being The Perpetrators Are Still Very Likely In My Opinion. Because P*dophilia Is Becoming A Big Big Issue Now.
I remembered this PSA when I was a little girl and some car pulled up beside me and asked for directions. The lady was super pissed I didn’t get in the car with her. Thank you Bert and Gert, who knows what would have happened to me.
"You shouldn't answer the door to strangers when you're by yourself or let them know you're home alone."
Me as a child in the 90's: Oh, the door is ringing? Hide and don't make a sound and peek through the blinds until the person goes away.
This is me in 2020.
Jack Skellington same 😭
*tHe dOoR iS rIngInG*
@@sophiecoates2292 What, you didn't have ringing doors in the 90's? lol
You know, I forgot that some people have doorbells that actually work and i pictured the door ringing like a phone lmao
Talking to human strangers = Bad idea
Talking to giant mutant rabbits with future tech = Good idea!
+The Invisible Hand Yeah, but they clearly know Bert and Gert, so it's okay. Haha
*anthro
yeah, talking to anthro rabbits are cool
Lol
Humans are definitely more scary than giant mutant rabbits.
The story behind these is heartbreaking.
What's the story behind this?
John Blundski The daughter of the campaign's creator, Alison Parrott, was raped and murdered in 1986, after being lured to a park by someone she didn't know. She was 11. Her mom worked for an ad agency, and created this campaign the following year.
i didnt even know that! thats so sad.
@@AndreNDP oof
@@AndreNDP that's messed up. Shit.
Am I only one who thinks Bert and Gurt look like a Caucassian Nesquik Rabbit wearing 90s clothes?
I can't get that out of my head now.
+Matt C No....
They are the white chocolate milk bunnies
Lol dude. when i was a kid i thought they were Nesquik rabits.
They *weren't?* o_o
OMG! I remember seeing these during commercial breaks on YTV, I took these tips very seriously lol....I dont know if it's just the area I live, but I havn't seen a Block Parent sign in years...
They discontinued that program in a lot of areas :(
@@sarahh2072 Probably because, sadly, it was likely abused, perhaps used BY predatory people to lure others.
And on NTV (Newfoundland Television) where I'm from
I distinctly remember being shown this while sitting on the gym floor in grade 1 and i couldn't get the song out of my head, still sing it to this day 10 years later
Between spying on children and breaking into their homes, I think it's safe to say that the biggest threat around is Bert and Gert.
Sometimes it's the only way to guide some people.
"I can drive ya" "SAWWWRY" ... yes that works lol
more like a stun gun to the neck
as if the kidnapper would give up that easily and just drive off!
@@Baysidemom2 Some do, they try to coax someone into cooperation in case anyone is lurking around and can see them, so they dont want to have a struggle and potentially make a scene. Why have a struggle when you can just try to convince some ignorant child to come willingly? One doesn't work out, move on to try another sort of thing.
@@Zero118you seem like you’re speaking from experience, your profile picture is also concerning.
Why on earth do I remember ALL of these PSAs? I was a very safe child apparently.
Because they were fun to watch
This and Bill Nye were part of my childhood. We even watched Bill Nye tapes when I was in high school, during science class!
Why am I "nostalgic" for this and I've never seen it before. Its like my mouth waters craving Sonic the Hedgehog Spaghettios all of a sudden.
After i came back to Hong Kong from Canada, i havent saw this almost 30 years..i m like 32 now, omgosh this is so bring back to my memories.. this is just like yesterday...so surreal..
OH My God!! I remember these so much along with "Proud Part Of Our Canadian Hermitage"
lmfao hermitage
*Katie:* I'm late I'm gonna cut through the alley.
Meanwhile in said Alley, Bruce Wayne watches his parents die.
The fact that the abduction issues in the world have been worse is a good reason why this, and many other PSA's need to be re aired.
They've actually never been better.
thats great!
They’ve gotten better. And it’s never been that bad. It’s usually (vast majority) someone child knows.
woww.. this takes me back to the mid-90s when i was a kid growing up... what a throwback! I actually almost forgot about these commercials..
I use to watch this everyday, I miss those days so badly.
*Gert:* Good job Daniel. You should never let a stranger into your house.
*Daniel:* Then how did you get into my house?
Alison Parrott Rest In Peace.
I remember seeing these shorts on Teletoon as a kid, but I had no idea Nelvana made them!
OMG! I remember this from when I was a kid. It ran in bits and chunks as commercials all the time when I watched TV.
I like how the guy stopping has NO INTERIOR DOOR HANDLE. RUN THE FUCK AWAY. RUN.
i never understood this comercial when i was 5
spunkflunk ur old
same here. just looked like 2 cool rabbits and a good song
spunkflunk you’re lucky
@@kayla5543they played this comercial in the early to mid 2000s
More like early to late 90's
"A little white lie is OK sometimes!" I tell my wife that ALL the time...
I like the attention to detail... The calendar Burt and Gurt jump over is from March of 1993 which started on a Monday!
Wow! I almost forgot about these. Thanks for bringing back memories. You're doing a great job, Retrontario, and we really appreciate your work.
The mirror clip is the eeriest part of it all, I sure got the message at THAT age seeing this- Thank you for preserving this digital ancient T.V. artifact!!
If a stranger stops to talk, *always social distance* !!
This is my childhood right here. Also, this is the reason I don't mind furries as long as they skate and aren't acting like a sexual predator.
Indeed
Lmfao!!!!
I remember watching these when I was a kid, I will make sure to make my kids watch this if I have any.. we should honestly have ads like this out now too
I was 8 back when I first saw this in 1991. Good times. My best friend's parents had a rule for him when answering the phone, while he was babysitting his sister. Let the answering machine pick up and if it was one of his parents, another relative or a friend, then and only then could he answer.
These ads were so important. I can't even imagine how many kids have been saved because of these ads.
I needed this..
Thank you.
Wow, the universe is so weird!!! This has been popping into my head on and off for a few weeks, and now it's in my youtube feed.. Got the message
I feel so old I remember seeing this at 7 years old now am 27 20 year's later it's amazing what we remember as kids this help me grow up and Learn responsibility
Pretty sure catching a baseball on a hover board is not safe.
Wow, our society is fucked up now. Back then, when I was a kid, we had commercials like this about staying away from strangers, now in this generation it's about saying no to drugs and alchohal and STD information. Great. Look at what we have become!!!
OMG my parents made a "password" I remember it, wow!
Reinminer I think mine was peanut butter
We had a secret knock if my parents ever stepped out to check the mail or take the dog out.
It wasnt because my parents didn't carry a key, but in case anybody else comes to the door, we would know its not our parents and not to answer it.
Pretty sure mine was supercalifragilisticexpialidocious because my brother and I thought it was funny 🤦♀️
90s!!!! My favorite times, my childhood was good. I was the little explorer, and camper :P
I liked how everyone acted like it was normal seeing two anthropomorphic rabbits with hoverboards and keeping kids safe. Yeah, I'm sure that happens all the time in Canada.
It’s how you know it’s Saturday
Telefrancais
Bert and Gert are excellent PSA rabbits
I remember this when I was a child and when I have children I want them to watch this so they can Stay Alert Stay Safe
Bert and his sister gert sure gave us some helpful tips and advice on how to avoid dangerous situations especially with folks we don't know and kinda know and how to avoid human trafficking.
"hey their sonny! how do you get to albey avenue?" "back they way you came wigga"
This aired in BC too back in the day. I pretty sure it used to play on the Kamloops TV channel with Inspector Gadget and Care Bears.
I like how nowadays they dont bother making these anymore.
*Bert:* Never ever go with a stranger. Got it?
*Daniel:* Thank you strange rabbit whom I've never met before, yet know your name.
I still rememeber the little jingle/theme song, 30 years later!
You can tell this is Canadian because the kid apologized for not getting into the guys car? You don’t need to apologize for staying safe and declining a strangers offer 👏
I totally had a crush on Bert as a kid lol
Major nostalgia here! I remember seeing this as a kid watching tv
0:30 *years of nostalgia comes rushing back into my mind*
Well, thank you, Gert and Bert. I'll make sure I'll stay alert and safe.
The intro is such a jam and I remember when block parents were a thing like most of these dont apply anymore cause we r in a pandemic
I totally remember seeing the PSAs on tv, and seeing a video tape of it back in 1st grade in 2001.
Imagine looking at your newborn child in the eyes and naming them "gert."
I think it's short for Gertrude, which isn't much better when you think about it. 😅
I remember watching this in a safety assembly, just when this was released. Afterwards, we all got a comic book with all of these characters and their lessons. I wish I still had it.
The comic must be lost media.
Telefrancais, Pingu
The blue jays comic book
I am so glad that I'm Canadian, because I got to watch all of these awesome shorts and commercials back in the 90s as a kid.
Telefrancais
Pingu
The 90s were pretty optmistic as if that guy wasnt going to drag him in the car
Dr. Rabbit and Dr. Brushwell had too many drinks one evening after work, and months later twins were born…
This was a nice dedication to a murdered child... Rip Allison!
I remember this one too! Gotta love them graphics lol
any 90’s babies here using these PSA’s to teach their own babies now in 2021?
Mine stole my drink so we’re going through old psa’s like “don’t put it in your mouth” so it’s easier for her to remember that she has to ask first. Songs are catchy and it’ll help. It was just a pop but lots of people add alcohol to their innocent looking drinks. With the holidays coming up now’s a good time to start learning about not taking things without asking us first.
I remember renting this from my local library when I was 6
I loved these, when I was a kid.
I remember watching these commercials as a kid!😄🤩😎👌
OMG I remember watching this when I was young !
What they don't say is:
People you know are more likely to be dangerous than complete strangers.
This was created as a direct response to a series of child abductions and murders in Toronto, and the creator's daughter was raped and murdered by a stranger. Sure, it's not common, but it DOES happen sometimes so why not be prepared?
I little trip down nostalgia lane, then I'm gonna make a stop at memory street........ why tv be like I used to, I'm only here because I was a kid when this was on tv
"Fall to the ground and roll or just keep spinning" WTF
😂😂😂😂😂
Sounds like a good fighting tip,as well.XD
This should be shown in all schools and households
Jesus Christ I remember this from grade 1
I just randomly remember watching this in like 3rd grade
God! I still remember this commercial!!
I have no idea why I randomly thought of this but this is nostalgic asf
omg i remember thisssss. i watched it as a kid one time when we went on a field trip to the police office :) ahhh memories
I remember these PSAs, they would come on Teletoon during shows on the late morning to early afternoon time slot
“The Milkshake That Swamped Montreal” 😂😂😂😂😂 That’s funny.
I'd definitely watch that if it were a real movie!
These videos are the reason i still get nervous when people talk to me on the street lol
I’ve always wanted rabbits on hover boards to appear in my house.
Nostalgic, i now nickname them "Nesquik Rabbits and his twin talk about being safe"
Bert and Gert OMG!!! These bunnies thought me a lot
I remember this from when I was a kid growing up in the 90s.
This was still on TV until like 2009, or maybe even later, jfc.
I'm on the nostalgic part of youtube for the first time.
Major nostalgia right now.
i remember most of those. though the block parents sign one I don't think i ever saw. home alone, alley and don't go into a stranger's car I remember.
"What should you do if someone stops and asks you for directions?"
Tell them to fuck off and keep on driving, this is your turf and if they come any closer you'll cut 'em!
I remember seeing this on YTV when I was younger.I think these are all the infomertials they made put together.
I was laughing more at the saturn symbolism in this cartoon, rather than the fact it was a typical 90s PSA xD
I totally remember these.
Wow it’s been at least 20 years since I seen this.
Thank you Jeff Zarnett!
teachers teach the teachings so afterschool keep smart... how old am I 1990 holy damn thats chance be safe and be careful...