Child abduction is a parent's worst nightmare. To help prevent this tragedy, teach your children safety skills and be sure to keep communication open between you and your children. The following tips will help get you started:
When discussing abduction prevention with your children, speak calmly and don't try to instill fear. According to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC), "Children do not need to be frightened to get the point across. Fear can actually work at cross-purposes to the safety message, because fear can be paralyzing to a child."
Keep communication open between you and your children. Make sure they know they can talk to you about anything that is worrying them. Teach them that if someone touches them inappropriately or makes them feel uncomfortable that they tell you immediately.
We've all heard the warning, "Don't talk to strangers." But on the contrary, NCMEC advises, "Do not confuse children with the concept of 'strangers.' Children do not have the same understanding of who a stranger is as an adult might. The 'stranger-danger' message is not effective, as danger to children is much greater from someone you or they know than from a 'stranger.'"
Instead, focus on teaching your children about inappropriate touching and unsafe situations. An example of an unsafe situation is an adult who stops and asks a child for help, whether it's to help find a lost puppy or for directions. Another example is an adult (even an adult they know) who asks your child to keep a secret from you.
Set up family safety rules, such as children must always let you know when they are going somewhere, they must use the buddy system if unaccompanied by an adult, and they must never go anywhere with, or even approach the vehicle of, an adult they do not know. You may even want to set up a "family password" that an adult would need to know in order for your children to get into their car.
Teach your children safety skills, such as yelling, "No!" or, "This is not my Mom/Dad!" and running away. Let them know if an adult scares them or tries to get the child to go with them, it's OK to yell.
Don't forget your preteens and teenagers. They are still vulnerable, even though they are gaining independence. Be sure to involve them in safety discussions as well.
Don't let your young children open the door, whether you or home or not. If your kids are home alone, make sure they know not to let anyone who calls or comes to the door know that you're not home.
Keep recent photos of all your children with you at all times.
Avoid children's clothing with their names on it. A potential abductor could call out the child's name, which may have a disarming effect on the child.
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Copyright by Family First 2007. All rights reserved.
