Child Safety


800,000 CHILDREN ARE MISSING EACH YEAR – One Child Every 40 Seconds

Fact:

  • 450,000 children run away each year

  • 300,000 children are abducted each year by family members
  • More than 58,000 children are abducted every year by non-family members

Prevention Tips:

Prevention always starts at home. Use the following tips to help educate children on safety and awareness.

Children Should be Taught To:
  • Know his/her full name, as well as your name, address and telephone number, including area code. Children should know how to use the telephone and proper use of 911.
  • Never say they are alone when answering the phone – instead, offer to take a message.
  • Never answer the door if they are alone.
  • Never invite anyone in the house without permission of a parent or baby sitter.
  • Never take candy or gifts from strangers or anyone else without asking a parent first.
  • Never play in deserted buildings or isolated areas.
  • Quickly move away from cars that pull up beside them if they do not know the driver.
  • Know that no one should touch any part of his or her body that a bathing suit would cover.
  • Avoid shortcuts through empty parks, fields or alleys.
  • Run home or go to the nearest public place if they are being followed and yell for help.
  • Tell you if someone has asked them to keep a secret from you.
  • Tell you where they are at all times or leave a message at home.
  • Give up money, jewelry or clothing rather than fight.
  • Know they can talk to you and call you to pick them up at any time.

Parents Should:
  • Avoid articles bearing your child’s name. A child is less likely to fear someone who knows his or her name.
  • Check all potential baby-sitters and older friends of your child.
  • Never leave your child alone in a public place, stroller or car, even for a minute.
  • Always accompany your child to the bathroom in public places.
  • Always accompany your child on door-to-door activities.
  • Create an environment where a child feels safe to talk to you. Let him/her know that you are interested and sensitive to their fears.
  • Teach children that the police are their friends and that they can rely on them if they are in trouble.
  • Keep an up-to-date color photograph of your child, as well as a medical and dental history, and have your child fingerprinted.
  • Stay involved in your child’s life by communicating daily to prevent your child from running away.

Source: National Child Identification Program