We're glad to see interest in teaching the basics of self- defense in the Saratoga Springs school district, following the attempted abduction of a senior in the high school parking lot.

We see a potential match between the district and a 10-hour program called radKIDS that teaches children and parents how to protect themselves from violence and harm. A representative of the program participated Sunday in the "Afternoon with Santa" in Congress Park. Sponsored by The Center for HOPE, the event was to raise fund for a "remorial" for missing persons in New York state. It also served to raise public awareness about missing persons and ways to protect yourself and your loved ones.

In the case of the attempted abduction of the Saratoga Springs senior, the girl was not physically harmed and the suspect has been indicted. He is behind bars awaiting court action, and faces similar charges in New England.

The chances of a local student facing a similar threat and having to fend off an assailant are minute. But why not be armed, mentally and physically, not to stir unnecessary fears but to provide a level of knowledge and confidence. The radKIDS program, described in today's story by Nicholas Derasmo, is worth looking into for Saratoga Springs and other school districts.

Let's offer all students the basic of age-appropriate self-defense, including a laundry list of do's and don'ts if they are threatened. And then hope they never need to use them.