Safe Children Bright Futures

 

Ways To Prevent Child Abduction

Young Children Should Be Taught The Following
  • Their full telephone number and address 
  • That it is alright to say “no” to an adult if the person wants them to do something that you have taught them is wrong 
  • That no one has the right to touch any part of their bodies that a bathing suit would cover 
  • Scream and scatter books and belongings if they are forced toward a building or car 
  • Move away from a car that pulls up beside them if they do not know the driver 
Young Children Should Be Told To
  • Tell you, school authorities or a police officer about anyone who exposes private parts 
  • Tell you if someone has asked them to keep a secret from you 
  • Go to the nearest cashier if lost or separated from you in a store or mall
Young Children Should Be Taught That They Should Never
  • Say they are alone if they answer the phone—they can offer to take a message or say their parents will phone back 
  • Answer the door if they are alone 
  • Invite anyone into the house without the permission of a parent or babysitter 
  • Go into people’s houses without letting anyone know where they are 
  • Get into anyone’s car without permission 
  • Take candy or other gifts from strangers or anyone else without asking the parent first 
You Should Tell Your Teens To
  • Tell you where they are at all times or leave a written or recorded message at home 
  • Never hitchhike 
  • Avoid shortcuts through empty parks, fields, laneways or alleys 
  • Run home or go to the nearest public place and yell for help if they are being followed 
  • Learn to recognize suspicious behaviour and remember a description of the person or vehicle to give you or the police. Write the plate number in the dirt or snow if nothing else is available 
  • If attacked for money, jewelry or clothing give it up rather than risk injury 
  • Feel that they can talk to you and call you to pick them up at any time and at any place 
Parents Should
  • Avoid clothing and toys with the child’s name on it. A child is less likely to fear someone that knows his/her name 
  • Check all potential babysitters and older friends of your child 
  • Never leave a child alone in a public place, stroller or car…not even for a minute 
  • Always accompany young children to the bathroom in a public place and advise them never to play in or around the area 
  • Always accompany your child on door-to-door activities, ie. Halloween, school fundraising campaigns, etc.  
  • Point out safe houses or homes with Block Parent signs where children can go if they are in trouble 
  • Keep an up to date colour photograph of your child, a medical and dental history, and have your child fingerprinted