Kids & Stranger Safety
In the United States a child goes missing or is abducted every 40 seconds. Children need to be educated about what constitutes a stranger, what to do if approached by a stranger and how to keep themselves safe while away from your supervision. Parents also need to know what to do if their child is missing, because quick action is essential to recovering a missing child. With the proper education and vigilance, you can help keep your child safe from abduction.
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Child Abduction Statistics
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Of people reported missing, 85 to 90 percent are children. That equals around 2,000 children a day. Stranger kidnapping makes up 24 percent of all abductions. In 80 percent of stranger kidnapping cases, the perpetrator made initial contact with the child he abducted within a quarter mile of the child’s home.
Defining “Stranger”
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Most parents know to teach their children not to talk to strangers, but many times the word “stranger” isn’t clearly defined. Make sure your child understands that a stranger isn’t someone who looks weird, but rather anyone he doesn't know. By teaching your child that a stranger is anyone he doesn’t know, no matter what she may look like, you will help him recognize that strangers come in all shapes and sizes.
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Stranger Strategies
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There are three simple rules to teach your child to follow if she is approached by a stranger. The first rule is to run away if approached by a stranger. Make a plan with your child telling her where she should run to. Places to go could include school, a friend’s house or into a store where a clerk can help. The second rule is to keep out of reach of a stranger. A stranger should never get close enough to grab the child. If a stranger does get that close, your child should follow the first rule and run away. The third rule is to never talk to strangers. One of the ways strangers get close enough to grab a child is by engaging her in conversation. Let your child know that an adult never needs help from a child. If an adult is asking for help, do not talk to him.
Buddy System
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Another way to help ensure your child’s safety is to practice a buddy system when he is not with you. Have your child walk to school with another child or with a group of kids so that he won’t be alone. A single child is much easier to abduct than a child in a group. Your child should practice the buddy system while he is playing outside, riding bikes, going to the movies or doing any activity outside of your supervision. A child should always be in the company of a friend or trusted adult.
If Your Child Is Missing
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If your child is missing at home, thoroughly check the house. If you are still unable to find your child, contact your local law enforcement agency immediately. If your child is missing from a store, tell a store employee and contact law enforcement right away. When speaking with law enforcement officers, provide them with a description of your child including height, weight, hair and eye color, a description of the clothes she was wearing and any distinctive features, such as scars, glasses or braces. Once you have spoken with law enforcement officers, request that your child’s information be inputted into the National Crime Information Center Missing Person File. Finally, call the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (1-800-THE-LOST).
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References
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- Photo Credit family image by Linda Mattson from Fotolia.com
