Child Personal Safety
Tips to prevent abduction.

We see the news bulletins, read the newspaper and email alerts about child abduction. There are steps you can take as a parent to protect your child.

Good Communication
Be open and build a close relationship with your child. Listen attentively, and make them comfortable to talk with you about anything. Chances are, if they tell you about a situation that made them feel uncomfortable, it is a definite sign of danger.

Teach Basic Safety Skills
Remember that abductors can be male or female and most are usually not strangers. Teach your child to:

1. Say "no". It's ok for your child to say "no" if something makes them feel uncomfortable. A good way to make them understand is telling them that no one should touch any part of your child that a bathing suit would cover.
2. Never keep secrets.
3. Refuse gifts from people they don't know well.
4. Walk away if an adult they don't know asks for directions or help.
5. Use the buddy system. Never take shortcuts behind buildings or enclosed, empty areas.
6. Get help from a store employee, security guard or uniformed law enforcement officer if lost or separated from you.
7. Never get in someone's car without your permission. Teach your child to kick, hit and scream if anyone tries to force them into a car or building.
8. Call 9-1-1 in an emergency. Have a plan for where to go in an emergency, such as a neighbor you know and trust.
9. Learn your home phone number, home address, how to reach you at all times. Also, make sure they know their full name (first & last).

Other Tips

1. Avoid putting your child's name on clothing and other belongings.
2. Never leave your child alone in a public place or car.
3. Get to know your child's friends and their families well, including teachers, coaches and caregivers. Check references. Drop in without notice.
4. Know where your child is and who they are with at all times.
5. Keep up-to-date information and photos of your child with you at all times. There are services that produce ID cards with fingerprints (update every year).
6. Teach internet safety -- never give personal information over the internet and monitor their activity closely so that your child doesn't become secretive about internet use.
7. Practice asking them questions on what they would do in certain situations.

Source: Prevent Child Abuse America