September 19, 2002

Tips To Avoid Child Abduction

Although a majority of child abductions are committed by family members, there are safety measures parents can take to prevent it. Recently, The Federal Bureau of Investigations (FBI) and the Center for Missing and Exploited Children released a list of safety tips to help parents and their children prevent child abduction.

The following safety tips are recommended for parents and children;

• Have a code word: Parent and child need to agree on a simple code word for emergency situations. A trusted adult who knows the code word can pick up your child, and your child knows it is ok to go with them.
• Contact information: Parents need to provide contact information to their children (phone numbers where they can be reached; home, office, cell phone). Parents should make sure that their child remembers their own name, address and phone number.
• Awareness of people: Teach your children not to accept rides and gifts from strangers. Tell them it’s ok to say no.
• Obtain permission from parent(s) or adult in charge: Teach your children to get permission before getting a ride or going anywhere with someone.
• Getting separated in public: Have a plan in case your child gets separated from you in public.
• Teach your child to stay in groups: Teach them to stay in groups when going anywhere (friends).

By practicing these safety tips with your child, both of you will be better prepared in a situation.

If you are interested in information on safety tips to avoid children and youth abduction, contact your local extension agent or contact Karin Bartoszuk, Ph.D., North Dakota State University Extension Service child and adolescent specialist, at (701) 231-8113.

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Source: Karin Bartoszuk, (701) 231-8113, Karin.Bartoszuk@ndsu.nodak.edu
Editor: Richard Mattern, (701) 231-6136, Richard.Mattern@ndsuext.nodak.edu
Writer: JJ Camarillo, (701) 231-8371, jcamaril@ndsuext.nodak.edu