Whenever the evening news brings the story of a kidnapped child
or teen, the terrifying prospect of abduction fills the minds of
parents across the country. But it's important to remember that
most kids pass through childhood safely.
One of the challenges of being a parent is teaching your kids to
be cautious without filling them with fear or anxiety. Although
some dangers do exist, you lessen the chances that your child will
be abducted.
The Reality of Child Abductions
The circumstances surrounding child abduction are often quite
different from the way they're shown in TV shows and
movies.
Here are some of the realities of child abduction:
- Most kids who are reported missing have run away or there has
been a misunderstanding with their parents about where they were
supposed to be.
- Of the kids and teens who are truly abducted, most are taken
by a family member or an acquaintance; 25% of kids are taken by
strangers.
- Almost all kids kidnapped by strangers are taken by men, and
about two thirds of stranger abductions involve female
children.
- Most abducted kids are in their teens.
- Kids are rarely abducted from school grounds.
Strategies for Preventing Abductions
About 2,100 missing-children reports are filed each day. Many
cases might be solved more easily if parents can provide a few key
pieces of information about their kids, like: height, weight, eye
color, and a clear recent photo. And make sure your kids have the
safety information that could help prevent an abduction.
These strategies may help:
- Make sure custody documents are in order.
- Have ID-like photos taken of your kids every 6 months and
have them fingerprinted. Many local police departments sponsor
fingerprinting programs.
- Keep your kids' medical and dental records up to
date.
- Make
online safety
a priority. The Internet is a great tool, but it's also a
place for predators to stalk kids. Be aware of your kids'
Internet activities and chat room "friends," and remind
them never to give out personal information. Avoid posting
identifying information or photos of your kids online.
- Set boundaries about the places your kids go. Supervise them
in places like malls, movie theaters, parks, public bathrooms, or
while fundraising door to door.
- Never leave kids alone in a car or stroller, even for a
minute.
- Choose caregivers -
babysitters
, childcare providers, and nannies - carefully and check their
references. If you've arranged for someone to pick up your
kids from school or day care, discuss the arrangements beforehand
with your kids and with the school or childcare center.
- Avoid dressing your kids in clothing with their names on it -
children tend to trust adults who know their names.
Talking to Kids About Strangers
Talk to your kids often about safety. Give them the basics on
how to avoid and escape potentially dangerous situations. Teach
them to:
- Never accept candy or gifts from a stranger.
- Never go anywhere with a stranger, even if it sounds like
fun. Predators can lure kids with questions like "Can you
help me find my lost puppy?" or "Do you want to see
some cute kittens in my car?" Remind your kids that adults
they don't know should never ask them to help or to do things
for them.
- Run away and scream if someone follows them or tries to force
them into a car.
- Say
no
to anyone who tries to make them do something you've said is
wrong or touch them in a way that makes them feel
uncomfortable.
- Always tell you or another trusted adult if a stranger asks
personal questions, exposes himself or herself, or otherwise
makes them feel uneasy. Reassure kids that it's OK to tell
you even if the person made them promise not to or threatened
them in some way.
- Always ask permission from a parent to leave the house, yard,
or play area or to go into someone's home.
Keep these other tips in mind, too:
- Make sure younger kids know their names, address, phone
number including area code, and who to call in case of an
emergency. Review how to use
911
or a local emergency number. Discuss what to do if they get lost
in a public place or store - most places have emergency
procedures for handling lost kids. Remind them that they should
never go to the parking lot to look for you. Instruct kids to ask
a cashier for help or stand near the registers or front of the
building away from the doors.
- Point out the homes of friends around the neighborhood where
your kids can go in case of trouble.
- Be sure your kids know whose cars they may ride in and whose
they may not. Teach them to move away from any car that pulls up
beside them and is driven by a stranger, even if that person
looks lost or confused. Develop code words for caregivers other
than mom or dad, and remind your kids never to tell anyone the
code word. Teach them not to ride with anyone they don't know
or with anyone who doesn't know the code word.
- If your kids are old enough to stay home alone, make sure
they keep the door locked and never tell anyone who knocks or
calls they are home alone.
If Your Child Has Been Abducted
Because the first few hours are the most critical in
missing-child cases, it's important to provide officials with
information about your child immediately.
If your child has been abducted, contact local law enforcement
right away. They'll ask you for a recent picture of your child
and will probably ask you many questions about the time and
location you last saw your child and what your child was
wearing.
You may also request that your child be entered into National
Crime and Information Center (NCIC). Other clearinghouses such as
the Child Protection Education of America ([866] USA-CHILD) and the
National Center for Missing and Exploited Children ([800] 843-5678)
can offer information and support during your search.
After notifying the authorities, try to stay calm. You'll be
able to remember details about your child's disappearance more
easily if you remain rational and logical.
Reviewed by:
Steven Dowshen, MD
Date reviewed: February 2009
Note: All information is for educational purposes only. For specific medical advice,
diagnoses, and treatment, consult your doctor.
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