Just Cause, Inc.

If children really are “our future” then it is our responsibility as adults to do all that we can to keep them safe. One way to accomplish our goal to Keep Them Safe America is to educate parents about child safety and arm our children with the tools and knowledge they need to protect themselves. Many adults refrain from engaging in discussions on child safety with their children. They are afraid that such a talk would scare their kids thereby doing more harm than good. We at Just Cause, Inc. believe that education is the key of preventing any undue harm or danger your child may face. Don’t be afraid to discuss safety issues with your children . . .It could save their life! Be careful what you say to your kids. Remember, you want to educate them, not scare them! Here are some basic safety tips that you can go over with your kids.

Instead of talking to your kids about “Stranger Danger” try talking to them about situations and environments that they may be exposed to and teach them how to react to them. Role-play a number of scenarios with your children to see how they would react to different situations. Child abductors and predators use various techniques to lure children. It is imperative that your children are made aware of these potential dangers and know how to react to them.
Teach your children to be wary of but not afraid of strangers. Keep in mind that if your child is ever lost in a mall or abducted it could be a stranger that helps them out of that situation.
Children should know their full name, phone number with their area code and complete address. Teach your children how to use a payphone to make collect calls and how to dial 911 in an emergency.
Create a secret code word that only you and your child share. Teach your children that they should never leave with anyone unless they know the secret word – even if it is someone they have met before.
Talk to your kids. Really get to know them and take everything they have to say seriously. It is very important that your kids feel that they can open up to you. The closer that your relationship with your children is the easier it will be for them to confide in you when they need to.
Never leave your children unattended in a public place, including bathrooms.
Know where your children are and whom they’re with at all times.
Take a mental note each day as to what your children are wearing. Also, never allow them to wear anything with their name on it.
Create a home ID kit for your children. This can be the most important information necessary for FBI and Law Enforcement in case of an emergency. ID kits can include Fingerprints, DNA samples, Dental Records, and clear, updated Photographs. Also, in recording physical characteristics and specific information on their children, this identification will give authorities vital information to assist their efforts in locating a missing child.
Teach your children some of these basic escape methods that they can take to defend themselves should they ever find themselves in danger of being abducted:
- If someone grabs a hold of their arms, they should pull themselves down rather than away from the person and run away screaming for help. It is very likely that the noise itself will be enough to ward off the abductor.
- Teach your children to hit or kick the person in their eyes, groin, face or throat.
- Children should also learn that if anyone ever grabs their backpack or jacket they should free themselves by pulling out of it and running away.
- If possible, your children should know that they can and should seek the help of others—Even a stranger.
- If someone pulls them into a car, they should try to escape from the vehicle when it stops and run for help.
- If your child is locked in a trunk he or she should kick out the taillight bulbs and wave their hand out to alert other drivers that they are in danger.