|
Department of Pediatrics at Saint Barnabas Medical Center Offers Suggestions on Preventing Child Abduction Livingston, N.J. -- Several recent child abductions have drawn greater media and parental focus on this troubling issue. A survey recently released by the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children and ADVO, Inc. found that parents often do not provide their children with safety information that could help prevent abductions. “The abduction of a child is heart wrenching for both the parents and for the entire community,” says Susan Margolin, M.D., Chief of General Pediatrics, Department of Pediatrics at Saint Barnabas Medical Center. “The most important key to child safety is effective communication with your youngster to prepare him or her for any possible danger. Parents should provide an atmosphere in which they and their children are able to speak easily and openly.” According to the Federal Bureau of Investigation, 2,100 missing-children reports are filed each day, which includes runaways and custody disputes. The following safety suggestions are from the Department of Pediatrics at Saint Barnabas Medical Center and The National Center for Missing and Exploited Children: For Children: · Never go anywhere with anyone without your parents’ permission, even if it sounds like fun. Predators can lure children with questions like, "Can you help me find my lost puppy?" or "Do you want to see some cute kittens in my car?" · Grownups should not be asking children for help or directions. They should be asking older people. · Run away and scream if someone follows you on foot or by car or tries to force you into a car. If someone tries to take you somewhere, yell and scream, “This man (woman) is trying to take me away!” or “This man is not my father!” · No one should tell you that your mother or father is hurt and that he or she will take you to your parents. Your parents will tell you whose car you have permission to ride in. · Say "no" to anyone who tries to make you do something wrong or touch you in a way that makes you feel uncomfortable. · Never tell anyone on the phone that you are home alone. · Never open the door to a stranger, even a delivery person, etc. · Always tell your parents if anyone asks you to “keep a secret,” asks personal questions, or otherwise makes you feel uneasy. It is okay to tell a parent even if the person made you promise not to or threatened you or your family. · Always ask permission from a parent to leave the house or play area or to go into someone's home. · Never wander away in a public place. If you are in a public place and get separated from your parents, do not wander around looking for them and never go outside. Go to a checkout counter quickly and tell the person in charge (with a badge) that you have lost your parents and need help finding them. Police officers and mothers with children are also a good choice for a lost child to approach. · Learn your full name, address, phone number including area code and how to dial 911. For Parents: · Talk to your child in a calm and reassuring manner, being careful not to embellish frightening details of what might happen to a child who does not follow safety guidelines. · The term stranger misleads children into believing that they should only be wary of individuals who have an unusual appearance. Teach children to be on the lookout for certain kinds of situations rather than certain kinds of individuals. Be suspicious of any adult asking for assistance. · For identification purposes, record a few key pieces of information every six months including: the child's height, weight, and eye color, and a clear photo. Many local police departments sponsor fingerprinting programs - check if they are available in your town. · Supervise children in places like malls, movie theaters, parks, public bathrooms, or while fundraising door-to-door. · Point out the homes of friends in the neighborhood where your children can go in case of trouble. · Never leave children alone in a car or stroller, even for a minute. · Develop code words for caregivers other than mom or dad, and remind your children never to tell anyone the code word. Teach your children not to ride with anyone who doesn't know the code word. · Avoid dressing your children in clothing with their name on it. Children tend to trust adults who know their name. · Children should learn that it is okay to say no — even to an adult. Parents should explain why the child’s personal safety is more important than being polite. · Know where your children are at all times. Be familiar with their friends and daily activities. · Teach your children to trust their own feelings, and assure them that they have the right to say no to what they sense is wrong. Listen carefully to your children’s fears and be supportive. If you have further questions about speaking to your child on these issues, consult your pediatrician. For a referral to a Saint Barnabas Medical Center pediatrician, please call 1-888-SBMC-DOC.
[ top ] |
|
||||||||||||
