Parent's Pages
Parent Safety Tips
www.childquest.org/child_quest/safety/parental_tips.html
www.childsearch.org/safety.html
www.childfind.ca/educate/parents.hte
Tips to Prevent Abduction
Parents must be alert to people and situations to protect their children.
• Always assume your child could be abducted. It could happen to your child. Act accordingly.
• Teach your children the facts about abduction early. Discuss it with your children as another safety skill. They will not be frightened if taught as just one more skill the need to learn.
• Supervise young children at all times (everywhere at a store, in a parked car, in public restrooms, on playgrounds and at parks)
• Before leaving your child in the care of a day care, preschool, babysitter or youth organization, check their references and qualifications.
• Make certain your child's school or daycare center will release him/her to you only or to someone you officially designate.
• Pay attention when someone shows greater than normal interest in your child.
• Avoid putting children's name on clothing, backpacks, school supplies and toys where strangers can see them. A child is less likely to fear someone who knows his/her name. Don't make it easy for an abductor.
• Always keep all windows and doors locked, specially if your children's bedroom windows face the rear of the home on a lower level.
• Never let your children go to a public restroom facility alone, and advise them never to play in or around the restroom area.
• Help organize a program that will establish safe houses on every block of your neighborhood. If there is a Watch Program in your area, contact the coordinator and ask for help.
Child Safety Tips for Parents
Parents should teach their 3 & 4 year old children so they know:
• Their full name (first, middle and last) and complete address including city, state and zip code.
• Their phone number including area code and how to dial "911" and "0" for emergencies. Know that they can use any phone to call "911" and "0" without using any money.
• Their family "Secret Code Word" and know not to go with anyone, for any reason, who does not use the "Secret Code Word."
• That even thought they may see and recognize certain people (like the mailman, ice cream truck driver, newspater person, etc.), these people are considered strangers to them and that they should never go with them without permission from their mom/dad.
• That if they get lost in a store or shopping mall to go to a cashier or security person.
Prevent Exploitation
Participate in your child’s activities(volunteer at school and clubs, attend sporting events).
Get to know your child’s friends, their names, where they live, and how to contact them.
Know the routes your child takes to and from school, friends’ homes and other activities.
Never allow your children to participate in any door-to-door activities, i.e. fund-raising, Halloween, etc. without an adult escort.
Teach your child the correct names for all their body parts.
Teach children the differences between "good touches" and "bad touches" and "confusing touches."
Be aware of changes in a child’s behavior or attitude and inquire.
Listen when a child tells you he or she does not want to be with someone and find out why.
Be alert for any talk that reveals premature sexual understanding or knowledge.
Listen to your children; let them know you take their concerns seriously; don’t minimize their fears.
Always try to promote your children’s self-esteem. Let them know that you love and respect who they are. This will improve their self confidence, which they need to avoid drugs and crime.
Teach children what to do if they become separated from their parents while away from home.
Teach children that the police are their friends and that they can always trust and rely on them if they are in trouble.
