The most effective tool in protecting your child is good communication. All too often, parents avoid discussing the dangers of abduction with their children because they:
- are uncomfortable with the subject matter.
- do not want to scare the child.
- do not have a clear understanding of what the child should do to stay safe.
Let’s face it. These dangers exist, they can happen to anyone. Teaching your child how to avoid abduction should be approached in the same way as teaching your child to avoid getting hit by a car when crossing the street.
There are rules the child should follow to stay safe. If the rules aren’t followed the child could get hurt.
Initially, you and your child should practice implementing these rules until your child understands them well enough to apply them in varying scenarios. Once you are confident that your child has the ability to utilize these skills on their own, you allow them the freedom to “cross the street” by themselves.
Please follow these links to access the Missing Children Society of Canada's guides to protecting your child: