Warn your child and arm him/her with basic safeguards. Below are guidelines from U.S. law enforcement authorities and courtesy of an organization on how to minimize, if not prevent, kidnapping incidents:
For Parents with School-Aged Kids
Call often. Teach your kids to call as often as they can, at every opportunity. They must call when they arrive at a friend’s house. They must call again when they leave the house, or if they have to go to a mall or some other place. Train them to memorize phone numbers.
Tell the family all your plans for the day. When your child leaves the house, you must know where your child is going, and who she is playing with, as well as what time he or she will return. Know the telephone numbers and addresses of playmates.
Avoid secluded places. Dimly-lit parks, abandoned buildings, wooded and bushy areas, must be avoided by your child. When going to restrooms, be sure to accompany your child.
Never give directions to people in cars. When your child is approached by a stranger in a car asking for directions, instruct your child to say, “I don’t know” and tell them to immediately run to a safe house–your house or to your neighbor’s house.
Teach kids not to run away from home. Explain to your children that running away from home is dangerous and will not solve a problem. Assure them that you will support them in problem situations. Train them to be open to you.
Don’t talk to strangers. Teach your child to avoid strangers, and never to accept anything from strangers–gifts, ride to go home, job offers, modeling stints and so forth. Train your child to inform you about such offers, even from people you know.
Report unfamiliar people in school. Teach your children to tell you if they see unfamiliar faces hanging around in school or near the house. Train them to describe these people–height, complexion, weight, age, including car model if the person is motorized.
Related posts: