October 6, 2008
Any parent's worst nightmare is having their child taken away from them. The media is continually flooded with headlines of missing and exploited children. Although these crimes are real, families and children do not have to live in fear but we should be attentive and prepared. A families best weapon against such a tragedy is with communication and proper preparation to respond to dangerous conditions. By following our Five Steps to Prevent Child Abduction you can empower yourself and your child with knowledge, tools and awareness.
1. Educate Children
One of the biggest ways you can prevent your child from being abducted is by simply teaching them the basics. For younger children that includes their full name, home address, phone numbers, and basic rules (never talk to strangers, never leave the side of an adult, etc.).
You should teach your children these basic rules:
- Always tell your parents where you will be.
- Never get into vehicles without your parent's permission.
- Don't take shortcuts or go to places where you will be alone.
- If you get separated from your parents, find a store or police officer to help you. Don't go looking!
- The child should always tell you if someone makes them uncomfortable or scared.
Going over these rules and making sure your child knows their basic information can be a great deterrent from an abduction.
2. Be Involved in Activities
If you're able, you should try to involve yourself in some of your child's activities. Simple things like offering to coach, chaperoning a field trip or eating lunch with your child can both give you a better insight into their life and help increase your child's trust in you. Use this list of parent/child activities for ideas to spend more time with your child. When you're around them try to learn more about their habits, friends, and events.
3. Know and Keep Detailed Records
This is single most important step in the event that an abduction occurs. 75% of all child abductions happen by a family member or acquaintance so it is important to have accurate details about the people that your child comes in contact with. Also the first few hours are the most important in recovering you child. Use a service like InstantAmber to keep a record of your child's details. Using a service like InstantAmber allows you to archive important information regarding your child — including their habits and relationships — so in that time of need it will be instantly available to state and federal law enforcement.
4. Prepare Child for the "What If"
In the event that something does happen to your child, he/she needs to be prepared. Teach them a few rules to maximize their chances of escape or getting help by teaching them to:
- Scream "FIRE". People are de-synthesized to hearing "Help".
- Try to escape and run if they are in danger.
- Be persistent on looking for a way to contact someone.
Try not to instill fear into your child, just help them understand that they have a choice of action and are never helpless.
5. Listen to your Child
Finally, just listening to your child could be a wonderful deterrent to future problems. Ask them often about their fears and take them seriously. Children need to trust you and never feel embarrassed with anything they share.
By using these 5 Steps to Prevent Child Abduction you can prepare you family for the worst through education and having a plan of action.
