Protecting Children from Abduction | Technology can Help

Each year, approximately 58,000 missing children are abducted by non-family members.  Strangers who kidnap children typically commit their crimes with intent to harm their young victims.  Furthermore, in nearly 80% of non-family child abductions cases, the victim is sexually assaulted or physically abused by the perpetrator.

A child going missing is a parent’s worst nightmare.  That’s why parents should talk to their kids about safety, not only at home, but while they are away.  Not only is a discussion and preparation called for, but in some cases it’s best to set perimeters with security devices that will alert you if your child has left a pre-set safety zone.  Remember, technology is on your side.  Such a device is the Loc8tor Plus Child Locator.  It’s a handheld device that works with homing tags that you can attach to your children.  If a child wanders out of the pre-set safety zone, both units will sound an alert.  The handheld device will use arrows and sounds that well get louder and more frequent the closer you get to your missing child. 

Every day, criminals are known to lure unsuspecting children into vehicles and homes.  Most of these kids are not prepared for the reality of “stranger danger” and, therefore, tend to trust unknown adults.  Here are some more tips on how and what to talk to your children about in preventing abduction, as brought to you by KidSave.

• Know where your children are at all times and who they are with.
• Never leave your child alone in a public place, stroller or car.
• Always accompany younger children to a public restroom.
• Teach your children not to accept rides and gifts from strangers.
• Always accompany your child on door-to-door activities, i.e. Halloween, school fundraising campaigns, etc.
• Establish a routine for picking your children up from school or other events.
• Agree on a simple code word for emergency situations. A trusted adult who knows the code word can pick up your child if necessary.
• Make sure your child knows their full name, address and phone number.
• Teach your child how to reach you (home, office, mobile)
• Teach your child how to call the police.
• Have a plan in case your child gets separated from you in public.
• Teach your child to stay in groups of friends when going anywhere .
• Tell your children about child abductions in simple and easy to understand terms. Awareness can help them protect themselves.
• Avoid clothing and toys with your child’s name on it. A child may not fear someone who knows his/her name.
• Promote an environment in which your child feels free to talk to you.
• Let your child know that you will pick them up at any time, any place.
• Listen closely when your child talks about friends they spend time with in your absence.
• Check all potential babysitters and older friends of your child.
• Teach your child to recognize suspicious behavior and collect descriptions.
• Urge your child to think escape / survival if he or she were ever abducted.
• Speak to your local law enforcement agency to find out about neighborhood watch.
• Keep up-to-date medical/dental history and finger print cards.