If you are the parent of a child or supervise one sometimes, you need to be aware of the increasing risk for child abduction. It is important to do all you can to protect your little ones, or even teenagers, from the advances of predators and stalkers.
1. Teach your kids the basic routines of avoiding strangers. No matter what their age, children need to understand that they must not talk to anyone they don't know who approaches them at home, at school, or in public. Whether the person seems lost, confused, or in need of help, or if it’s a man or woman, young or old, healthy or on crutches, kids must stay away from those who try to get in touch with them. Instead, kids should let the responsible authority know of the situation and retreat to safety. Start this training at age three or whenever your kids are likely to come in contact with people they don't know. Act out a scenario or two with them so they know how to respond automatically if someone should try to approach them.
2. Get your child fingerprinted. Many law enforcement agencies provide this service at no cost. Check with your community's sheriff's department, police department, or detective bureau to find out if children's fingerprinting has been set up or if not, whether it can be. Some malls or expositions provide this service at occasional events as well.
3. Arrange play and school partners for your children. Don't let them walk to school alone or travel around the neighborhood by themselves. Have them always go in pairs with someone that you know and trust. Meet with the other children's parents to express safety concerns for your child and to see if they will cooperate in making sure your child does not leave their home alone. Offer to do the same for their child.
4. Supervise your child's play. Whether they are in the back yard or on the playground at school, be sure that someone is keeping an eye on the kids at all times. It only takes a moment for a stalker to grab a child from her play area, and it has been done many times, often with tragic results. Tell your kids to flee an advancing stranger and to stay back from the street while playing outdoors.
5. Note any unusual behavior. If you notice a strange car sitting across the street from your house, or a person with a camera at the corner, report it to the police. Be careful about answering the door when you are not expecting someone or it is late at night. Let the police know about harassing telephone calls or stalkers' email or chat room messages. Don't let your children play at a neighbor's home unless you know the people very well and share similar values.
A stalker often scopes out his victim before suddenly pouncing and kidnapping a child. Prepare your child with clear warnings and guidelines to ward off the possible dangers associated with someone who may be stalking your children.
