According to the US Department of Justice, over 2,000 American children are reported missing each day. Some children are lost; some run away. Others are kidnapped by a family member. Still, others disappear leaving few clues.
Here are some things you can do to help reduce the chance of your child being abducted:
Many parents feel uneasy about talking to their children about personal safety. They worry that they will scare their children or cause them to be distrustful. If you use effective communication, you can help your children feel more secure and confident about personal safety. This involves:
Let your child know that you are interested in his fears and that you want to help. Never criticize your child for his fears or concerns. Make sure that your child knows that he can come to you to discuss any problem or concern, without fear of judgment or criticism.
Parents often give their children rules about safety, without explaining the potential danger in situations. For example, many parents tell their children not to talk to strangers. This is too vague and does not necessarily teach children how to protect themselves. It also does not take into account situations where children might need to ask a stranger for assistance, such as when they are lost or need help. And in many cases of abduction, the perpetrator is a relative or someone else that a child knows, not a stranger. So always be specific when talking to your child about danger.
Rather than focusing solely on strangers, you and your child need to discuss specific situations that have the potential to be dangerous. You should give examples of these situations and teach your child what to do. Role-playing may be helpful, too.
Potentially Dangerous Situation | What Your Child Should Do |
---|---|
Your child is home alone. Someone on the phone asks if the child is alone or asks for personal information. | Child should never say he is home alone or give any personal information. He should say that you are busy, but will call back. Child should ask to take a message. |
Your child is home alone and someone rings the doorbell. | Child should not answer the door. |
Someone your child does not know very well asks to come into your house. | Child should ask you or babysitter for permission first. |
Someone your child does not know very well invites your child over to his house. | Child should ask you for permission first. |
Your child gets lost in a store or mall. | Child should go to the nearest cashier and ask for help. |
A car pulls up beside your child and your child does not know the driver. | Child should move away from the car. |
Someone tries to force your child toward a building or car. | Child should yell, “Help! This is not my parent!” Scatter books and belongings. |
A stranger says he needs help and asks your child to come with him. | Child should not go. Child should go to parent or trusted adult. |
Someone your child does not know well says he wants to show your child something. | Child should not go with him. Child should tell a trusted adult what just happened. |
Someone your child does not know well asks your child to get into his car. | Child should not go with him. Child should tell a trusted adult what just happened. |
A teenager or adult asks your child to keep a secret from you. | Child should be instructed to tell you. |
A teenager or adult exposes private parts of his body in front of your child. | Child should leave the situation immediately and tell you, a teacher, or a police officer. |
Someone deliberately tries to touch any part of your child’s body in the bathing suit area. | Child should know that he has the right to say NO to anyone who touches him. Child should leave situation immediately and tell you. |
Your child wants to play in a deserted house or building, or an isolated area where there are few other people around. | Child should stay away from deserted houses and buildings. Child should not play in isolated areas. |
Someone your child does not know well offers your child candy, gifts, drugs, or money. | Child should refuse any offering from someone that he does not know well. |
Someone befriends you to get close to your child. | Stay alert. Child should not be left alone with this person. |
Here are some tips for keeping your older children and teens safe:
RESOURCES:
National Center for Missing and Exploited Children
http://www.missingkids.com/
Safe Kids Worldwide
http://www.safekids.org/
CANADIAN RESOURCES:
Missing Children Society of Canada
http://www.mcsc.ca/
Our Missing Children
http://www.ourmissingchildren.gc.ca/
References:
FAQ. National Center for Missing and Exploited Children website. Available at: http://www.missingkids.com/missingkids/servlet/PageServlet?LanguageCountry=en_USPageId=2814 . Accessed August 5, 2008.
National Center for Missing and Exploited Children. Statistics. National Center for Missing and Exploited Children website. Available at: http://www.missingkids.com/missingkids/servlet/PageServlet?LanguageCountry=en_US&PageId=2810#1. Accessed June 8, 2010.
Statistics. National Center for Missing and Exploited Children website. Available at: http://www.missingkids.com/missingkids/servlet/PageServlet?LanguageCountry=en_USPageId=2810#1 . Accessed August 5, 2008.
Last reviewed June 2010 by Brian Randall, MD
Please be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
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