Parents Safety tips for the Children and Teens

Children are asset for any society. They usually are not capable of protecting themselves efficiently due to lack of experience and skills. They look at the world as innocent as they are themselves. Children at all ages and gender are vulnerable to child abduction and other risky situations.

Over 50% children are taken by the non family person from the street and/or from the wooded/abandon areas. While in family abduction the children can be taken from own home or another home/backyard etc.

Parents/Guardian should discuss with Children safety tips and rehearsing safety tips is always helpful so that it become their second nature and can be used when needed.

Parent should Knows their child, their habits, routine, their likes and dislikes. Communicate with them assure them their safety is most important.

Assess their mental age and ask fears and concerns and address those issues openly.

Have them memorize the Phone numbers, address and important landmark of the area they are in.

When child is away an Adult should be available to respond in case of emergency (like telephone call, messages’ etc).

Safety Tips at Home:

When employing baby sitter Get detailed information about baby sitter references, from neighbor, old employer, where about, habits and training etc.

When you come back home talk to child observe anything new, ask the children how was their experience with baby sitter and Listen carefully what the child is saying.

Teaching the Child:

Smart Thinking: If adult approach to help be careful don’t get help from strangers. If you feel something unusual immediately inform the parent or guardian.

Staying together: When outside home stay with the group, avoid going alone in isolated places area and ally’s.  During school trip always stay visible to the teacher or care taker.

Strong Character: Know your boundaries and if anybody is going beyond that, don’t’ hesitate to tell the parents or teachers.

Younger children should know: (Every Child has the right to be safe)

Child should know their name, telephone number street address and how to use phone and who to call in case of emergency.

It’s ok to say NO if somebody is touching them inappropriately and they feel scared/nervous or confuse.

Check with parents/care taker before accepting anything to eat even if you know that person.

Check with parents/care taker before getting into the car with someone even you know from before.

Parent should go with child on the bus stop and help them clearly understand which bus they should take.

If they walk to school make a map or drawing to show them route and land marks and safe place in case somebody is following them, Avoid short cuts isolated areas and abandon places.

Parent should teach the child that adult should not approach child for help or directions they should approach another adult.

Parent teach the child if someone tries to force you in the car or take away yell “He/She is not my father/Mother and taking me away” There is always someone who can help. Always tell parents what happened and where.

Always tell the child to be with friends and in group while going to school or coming back.

For Teens:

Always go with trusted friends.

Tell where about where you are going and keep informed parents and guardian where they can find you in case emergency happens.

Don’t let anybody force you and be strong say no if you feel uncomfortable, it can be touching, offering drugs or any other activity which you feel is wrong.

Tips when you are home alone:

Before entering home make sure it is safe and no one is there.

Once you are inside and safe call parents and let them know.

Don’t open door if you don’t know the person at the door.

When answering phone calls don’t tell parents are not home instead say they cannot come to the phone right now and take the message. 

To be on the safe side take following necessary measures:

Keep full description of your child

Take color photograph of the child every 6 month

Keep copy of the finger print sample

Keep samples of your child’s DNA

Know where child’s medical record is including Dental record.

In case of Missing Child

Immediately inform the Law enforcement agencies

Check with your family friends and acquaintances if they have seen the child.

Limit access to home to preserve evidence

Provide all the documentary details about your child including picture finger print, and other necessary information they ask.

Connect with Missing Child Hot line If available in Your area.

Self help support groups of missing children

Check with Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention, Department of Justice