Child abduction is rare, but it does happen. As a parent, you can't spend every moment with your child to ensure that he or she is safe. You can, however, teach your child how to be safe and how to help safeguard themselves against abduction. It is important to try to discuss abduction in a way that is serious, yet not too frightening for the child. The following guidelines are written for children and can be a useful tool for parents teaching their children how to be safe.
Child Abduction Prevention Tips
Do not go near a car you don't know.
Always let your parents know where you are and who you are with.
If you get lost in a public place, stay put. Ask someone who works there for help finding your parents.
Stay away from strangers; never tell them your name or where you live.
If you feel like you are being followed, get away as quickly as you can. The best places to go are where you know an adult or where there are a lot of people. If you are being followed by a car, run in the other direction.
If someone makes you feel uncomfortable, tell an adult you trust.
Use the buddy system: take someone with you whenever you are in public.
Never take candy or gifts from a stranger.
If an adult asks you for directions, do not talk to them. This is something they should ask another adult to do, not a child.
Never go anywhere without a parent's permission.
If you need to use a public restroom, do not go alone - take a buddy with you.
If anyone touches or treats you in a way that makes you uncomfortable, tell them to "STOP" in a loud voice. Then tell an adult you trust right away.
If someone tries to lead you away, scream "Help!", "I don't know you!", or "Stranger!"
Use a secret emergency code word your whole family knows. If someone does not know the secret word, you should not go with him or her.
As parents, it is important to keep lines of communication open with your children at all times. Talk with your children on a daily basis about the safety precautions they must take while at home and in public. Studies have shown that children are at highest risk of abduction before and after school, which are usually the times when they have least adult supervision. Make sure that your child and his or her school teachers know exactly who is supposed to pick them up from school. If the person picking them up ever changes be sure to notify the school and have them confirm the right person has picked your child up.
If your child is a latch-key kid, be sure to establish a plan with him or her to always check-in with you once they have arrived home from school. Knowing where your child is at all times is one of the most thorough ways to ensure their safety. Finally, it is important to listen to what your children have to say, because they might not always know how to communicate to you about when they have felt in danger. If your child does report any suspicious behavior to you, alert your local authorities immediately.
Read more family safety tips and find out how a home security system from Gaylord Security can help protect your family.
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