Child Abduction

Tips for Parents

By Gwen Morrison

According to the FBI's National Crime Information Center, more than 840,000 children were reported missing in the United States in 2001. There are, however, measures that parents can take to keep their children safe.

Below is a list of safety tips provided by the FBI and the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) that may aid parents and their children in preventing child abduction:

• Parent and child need to agree on a simple code word for emergency situations. A trusted adult who knows the code word can pick up your child, and your child knows it is OK to go with them.
• Parents need to provide contact information to their children (phone numbers where they can be reached, including home, office and cell phone).
• Parents should make sure that their children remember their own name, address and phone number.
• Teach your children not to accept rides and gifts from strangers. Tell them it's OK to say no.
• Teach your children to get permission before getting a ride or going anywhere with someone.
• Have a plan in case your child gets separated from you in public.
• Teach your children to stay in groups when going anywhere (friends).

By practicing these safety tips with your child, both of you will be better prepared in a situation.

The Child Safety Association (CSA) advises parents to avoid scare tactics when discussing personal safety with their children. It is important to develop strong communication skills with your children – instill in them the importance of reporting anything that they are uncomfortable with to you or a trusted adult. The CSA advises parents to stress to their children that there should be no secrets from you, especially those involving another adult.

Want to see more?

• Child Abduction: Waking up to Every Parent's Worst Nightmare
• Stranger Danger: Teaching Your Children the Dangers of Strangers
• Witnessing Child Abuse: What Should You Do?
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