Child abduction safety tips

Yesterday’s news covered the safe return of two abducted teenage boys in Missouri: a 13-year old missing 4 days and a 15-year old missing over 4 years. Earlier this month, an Austrian teen, now age 18, escaped from her captor of 8 years.

Unfortunately, not all cases of child kidnapping end well. 840,000 children were reported missing in the United States in 2001.

Looking at all the advice available, the number one tip seems to be to build trust with the child and avoid scare tactics when discussing personal safety. Your child has to be comfortable discussing anything with you, especially if it concerns another adult.

Boys and girls are equally at risk. Know where your child is at all times and who he/she is with. Instruct your children never to go with or get into a car with anyone unless you have given them direct permission to do so. As parents, it’s our job to encourage our children to be alert, recognize, trust and follow their own instincts. It’s always better to be safe than sorry.

• Teach your children to remember their own name, address and home phone number.
• Teach them to remember your contact information (mobile phone or office number).
• Agree on a simple secret code word for emergency situations. Only a trusted adult who knows the code word can pick up your child, and your child knows it is okay to go with them.
• Teach your children not to accept rides, candy or gifts from strangers. Tell them it’s okay to say ‘NO’ and go in the opposite direction and get away as quickly as possible.
• Teach your children to get permission from mom/dad before accepting a ride or going anywhere with someone else, even a friend.
• Teach your children to stay in groups when going anywhere.
• Don’t have your child’s name printed on their clothing, hat or bag since a stranger can use it to gain confidence that he/she knows the child.
• Don’t leave your child at the bus stop alone. Be there to meet him/her when returning.
• Don’t allow your children to play alone in the front yard without your supervision. The backyard is safer.

When going to a crowded, public space:

• Use your camera phone to take a picture of your child so you can remember how he/she was dressed in case you become separated.
• Have a plan in case your child gets separated from you in public. Perhaps meet at the entrance you came in, at the food court or a favorite store.
• If you become separated in a store, immediately tell the closest store employee. Don’t be afraid to raise your voice to get them to act. Nothing should be more important.
• Teach your child to look for a police man, security guard or another mommy to help if he/she is lost.

As a precaution, consider:

• Keep high quality recent photos of your kid — easy to do with digital camera
• Get Photo ID cards containing a recent photo and stats about the child — some schools give them out as part of class photos
• Taking their fingerprints
• Use a DNA kit

If your child is missing, notify the police immediately. The first 48 hours following a child’s disappearance are the most critical in terms of finding and returning the child home safely.

There are many related links with great advice:
FBI.gov Child Safety Advice

ChildrenToday.com Child Abduction Tips

National Center for Missing and Exploited Children or call the 24-hour hotline at 1-800-THE-LOST (1-800-843-5678)

About.com Stranger Danger

KidSave.com

Or search using the keywords “child safety tips”