Final answer:
The majority of murdered children are not killed by strangers; they are more often harmed by people they know. The false belief that strangers are the main perpetrators may come from sensational media coverage. Understanding correct statistics helps in creating effective child protection measures.
Step-by-step explanation:
The statement that in the United States and Canada, the majority (about two-thirds) of murdered children are killed by strangers is false. Studies and statistics have consistently shown that children are more often harmed by people they know, including family members and acquaintances, rather than strangers. In reality, most child murders are committed by someone within the child's inner circle, which starkly contrasts with the misconception that strangers pose the greatest threat to child safety. This misunderstanding may be fueled by media coverage, which tends to emphasize and sensationalize stranger abductions and murders, leading to an overestimation of their frequency.
Understanding the dynamics of child abuse and child murder is essential in formulating preventive measures and policies. Knowing that perpetrators are often known to the victim can assist in creating better safeguarding strategies that focus on the child's immediate environment.