How to Safeguard your Children Against Abduction
The recent media coverage of the alarming number of Missing children in the DC has brought attention to a very scary fact: Our children are being targeted!
Here's what we do know:
Despite the claim that the number of missing children is not on the rise but rather the amount of attention due to social media, it's still quite clear that there is a discrepancy between how such cases are handled depending on the child's race. Even though children of color go missing more often than white children, they receive far less media coverage and public attention- this is what is known as Missing White Girl Syndrome.
That, however, is a discussion for another day. I wanted to make this less out about what law enforcement or the media can do in the long run and focus on what we can do within our homes and our communities to help protect our children against the threats of the outside/inside and online world.
Preventing Physical Threats
So, though we can't guarantee our kids safety, we can make them aware of the risks and how to protect themselves should the need arise. Here are some tips that can help to safe guard your kids from harm:
Talk openly and often
Have open and candid conversations with your children about predators and how they can protect themselves. Talk about sex and what behaviors/actions are appropriate from an adult, as well as, the realities of dealing with strangers to avoid the lures in whatever form they may come. It may seem like a lot for a kid to take in but the more aware they are the better they will be at spotting these moments and talking about them.
What Your Child Should Do When Approached by a Possible Predator
Teach your child to follow their instincts. Let them know that it's okay to say "No" if someone, even an adult, is making them uncomfortable in ANY WAY. Give them scenarios such as someone offering free candy, asking help to find a pet or have their photo taken, or telling them that their parents give them permission to give them a ride, and ensure your child knows how to respond to avoid danger.
Use the Buddy System
There is always safety in numbers so emphasize the importance of never going anywhere alone. Predators are less likely to target a child in a group. In the same breath, if there are moments when your child is alone always let you know where they are going and when they plan on getting back. This will help to alert you if they are late so you can respond accordingly.
Create a Family Plan of Action
Create a family plan of action and to talk through the scenarios with the child regularly. Discuss the possibilities: What do you do if you get lost? What do you do if you need help at the mall? What if there was an emergency in our family, who would come to get you? This will help to make your child more prepared and secure in their ability to avoid dangerous situations.
Guard Your Child's Privacy
Insure your child does not have his or her name on a backpack, etc., as this would enable a potential abductor to call out to the child by name. If a child hears their name called it is easy for them to let their guard down and believe that the person calling them is someone they know. Also, teach your child to never disclose ANY information over the telephone including their name and address, or indicate they are alone.
Use Technology to Your Advantage
If your child can handle the responsibility, cell phones are a great tool for children to reach out for help and to give parents some piece of mind. Most phones also have a GPS tracker in it that can often be used to help track their last location which can help narrow the searchable area. There are also new apps and devices, that can help you track, message and set Geo-fence/boundaries for your kids.
Preventing Online Threats
Modern technology has its benefits, but it can also be very dangerous if not properly monitored. Children (especially teens) are attached to their devices, and who they communicate with and what they communicate about is often not easy to track thanks to new apps such as Snapchat. They may even be able to hide images and videos in decoy apps such as Spy Calculator.
As parents/guardians, we must educate our children about online safety and think of new ways to protect children from easily accessible, unsafe sites. One in five children has received unwanted sexual solicitations from someone online. John Sullivan Jr., PhD, an international expert and educator on child exploitation issues, says some simple steps can help keep your child safe online.
1. Keep the computer in full view; not in your child's bedroom.
2. Check your phone log and bill for unfamiliar numbers.
3. Question gifts or money your child has received that you can't account for.
4. Limit your child's time online and consider installing security software that will allow you to monitor their activity online.
5. Know what other computers your child may be using -- at school or a friend's house. Just because you don't have a computer doesn't mean your child doesn't have online access.
At the end of the day, the only way to help our kids prepare for the "evils" of the world, we have to communicate and get more involved in their daily ins and outs. The idea of seeing your child's face on the next missing person's alert is scary and unimaginable. This is why we must educate our children and take the necessary precautions to reduce the chances of our kids falling victim to predators or those seeking to harm them.
Even one child missing is one too many. You can help by supporting and visiting the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children to help find missing children in your area. #HelpBringThemHome
