Prevention always starts at home. Use the following tips to help educate children on safety and awareness.

CHILDREN SHOULD BE TAUGHT TO:

• Know his/her full name, as well as your name, address and telephone number, including area code. Children should know how to use the telephone.
  
• Never say they're alone when answering the phone - instead, offer to take a message or say their parents will be back
  
• Never answer the door if they are alone.
  
• Never invite anyone in the house w/out permission of a parent or baby-sitter.
  
• Never take candy or gifts from strangers or anyone else without asking a parent first.
  
• Never play in deserted buildings or isolated areas.
  
• Move away from cars that pull up beside them if they do not know the driver.
  
• Know that no one should touch any part of his or her body that a bathing suit would cover.
  
• Avoid shortcuts through empty parks, fields, laneways or alleys.
  
• Run home or go to the nearest public place if they are being followed and yell for help.
  
• Tell you if someone has asked them to keep a secret from you.
  
• Tell you where they are at all times or leave a message at home.
  
• Give up money, jewelry or clothing rather than fight.
  
• Know they can talk to you and call you to pick them up at any time.
  

PARENTS SHOULD:

• Avoid clothing and toys with your child's name on it. A child is less likely to fear someone who knows his/her name.
  
• Check all potential baby-sitters and older friends of your child.
  
• Never leave your child alone in a public place, stroller or car, even for a minute.
  
• Always accompany young children to the bathroom in public places.
  
• Always accompany your child on door-to door activities.
  
• Point out safe houses with the Block Parent sign where children can go if they are in trouble.
  
• Create an environment where a child feels safe to talk to you. Let him/her know that you are interested and sensitive to their fears.
  
• Teach children 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, as well as a medical and dental history, and have your child fingerprinted.
  
• Stay involved in your child's life by communicating daily to prevent your child from running away.

 

Source: Heidi Search Center