30 Ways to help prevent a child abduction

Young Children 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.
• Never answer the door if they are alone.
• Not invite anyone in the house without the permission of a parent or babysitter.
• Not go into people’s houses without letting anyone know where they are.
• Never get into anyone’s car without permission.
• Not take candy or other gifts from strangers or anyone else without asking a parent first.
• Never play in deserted buildings or isolated areas.
• Scream and yell fire 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.
• Be taught that it’s all right to say ‘no’ to an adult if the person wants them to do something you’ve taught them is wrong.
• Know that no one has the right to touch any part of their bodies that a bathing suit would cover.
• Tell, school authorities or a police officer about anyone who exposes private parts.
• Go to the nearest cashier if lost or separated from your parents in a store or mall.

Older Children & Teens should

• 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 or alleys.
• Run home or go to the nearest public place and yell for help if they are being followed.
• Learn to recognize suspicious behavior 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 risking injury.
• Feel that they can talk to you and call you to pick them up at any time, any place.

You Should

• Avoid clothing and toys with your child’s name on it. A child is less likely to fear someone who knows his or her name.
• Check all potential babysitters and older friends of your child.
• Never leave your 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, i.e. Halloween, school fundraising campaigns, etc.
• Point out safe houses or homes with the Block Parent sign where children can go if they are in trouble.
• Create an environment in which the child feels free to talk to you. Let him/her know that you are interested and sensitive to their fears.
• Teach them that the police are their friends and that they can rely on them if they are in trouble.
• Keep an up-to-date color photograph of your child, a medical and dental history, and have your child fingerprinted.