Raising Safe

     Kids

Give the Gift of Safety

Tips to Prevent Abduction

Who abducts children?

Child abductors can be male or female and come from any background.

Teach a child age 5 or under to:

  • Say "no" if someone does anything make him or her feel uncomfortable.

No one should touch any part of your child that a bathing suit would cover. Make sure your child knows to tell you if someone asks him or her to keep a secret from you.

  • Refuse gifts from people he or she doesn’t know well.

  • Kick, hit and make noise if forced into a building or car.

Your child shouldn’t go into anyone’s car or home without your permission.

  • Never give directions to an adult who says he or she is lost.

An adult should never ask a child for directions.

  • Go to the nearest cashier if lost or separated form you in a store.

Your child should stay there and wait for you or a uniformed law enforcement officer. He or she shouldn’t go with anyone else.

  • Your child should know how to dial 9-1-1 in case of an emergency.

 

An older child needs more complete advice.

A school-aged child should:

  • Never invite anyone into the house without permission of a parent.

And he or she should never answer the door if alone. Your child also shouldn’t tell anyone over the phone that he or she is alone.

  • Know the dangers of the Internet.

Your child shouldn’t send personal information over the Internet (name, phone number, etc.:) He or she should also never agree to meet with someone they "met" on the Internet.

  • Avoid empty parks, fields or alleys.

Tell your child to run home or go to the nearest public place and yell for help if he or she is being followed. And you child shouldn't walk places alone.

  • Tell you where he or she is at all times.

Tell your child to give up money, clothing or other belongings to an attacker, instead of risking injury.

 

 

As a parent, here’s what else you can do:

 

  • Avoid putting your child’s name on clothing and toys.

A child is less likely to be wary of someone who knows his or her name.

  • Pick a secret word.

You child shouldn’t go with anyone who doesn’t know the word. Limit the places your child can go and people

 he or she can see without you.

  • Keep an eye on your child.

Never leave your child alone in a public place, stroller or car—not even for a minute. And teach your child that public safety professionals—such as police officer and firefighters—can be trusted.

  • Keep in touch with your child’s other parent.

If you are separated from your ex-partner, be aware of any change in his or her attitude that may signal problems.

  • Be prepared, just in case.

Keep a medical history, fingerprints and an up to date color photograph of your child. Also, make sure he or she knows his or her complete name, address and telephone number.

  • Call the police or sheriff in an emergency.

They will begin an investigation right away.

 

Practice safety skills with your child!

Role-play situations in which your child may need to use personal safety skills.

Try playing "what if: games. They can prepare your child. Try these situations:

  • What if an adult you don’t know acts lost and asks for directions?

  • What if someone tries to touch you or makes you feel uncomfortable?

  • What if a car follows you as you walk home?

  • What if someone you do not know well says he or she is supposed to take you to your mom or dad, but doesn’t know the secret word?