Approximately 8 million children are reported missing each year globally. In India alone, an estimated 96,000 children go missing annually, which equates to one child every 8 minutes. In the US around 800,000 children are reported missing each year and in countries like Haiti, the situation is worsening, with the number of missing children in the first half of this year already matching the total for 2022.
In a recent incident that has gripped Malaysia, a six-year-old girl named Albertine Leo went missing during the Bon Odori event at Eco Galleria (Shopping Mall). Fortunately, she was found safe approximately three days later with a 31-year-old man at a budget hotel three states away from where she was reported missing.
This alarming incident highlights the importance of vigilant child safety practices. As parents, guardians, and community members, it is crucial to take proactive steps to prevent such occurrences. Here are some comprehensive strategies to help prevent kidnapping:
1. Educate Children
- Stranger Danger: Teach children to be wary of strangers and to never go anywhere with someone they don’t know, even if the person claims to know their parents.
- Safe Words: Establish a family code word that only trusted people would know to use in emergencies.
- Buddy System: Encourage children to always use the buddy system and never walk alone.
2. Enhance Security Measures
- Supervision: Always supervise young children in public places and ensure older children inform you of their whereabouts.
- Safe Routes: Teach children safe routes to school and other regular destinations. Identify safe places they can go if they feel threatened.
- Home Security: Use locks, alarms, and security systems to make your home more secure. Teach children not to open the door to strangers.
3. Foster Community Awareness
- Neighborhood Watch: Get involved in or start a neighborhood watch program to help keep an eye on unusual activities in your community.
- Safe Havens: Identify and teach children about safe places in the community where they can go if they feel threatened, such as stores, schools, or houses of trusted neighbors.
4. Empower Kids with Safety Skills
- Self-Defense: Enroll children in self-defense classes appropriate for their age to give them skills to protect themselves.
- Yell and Tell: Teach children to yell loudly if someone tries to take them and to draw attention by yelling specific phrases like “This is not my parent!”.
- Trusting Instincts: Encourage children to trust their instincts and to seek help if something feels wrong.
5. Establish Clear Communication
- Check-Ins: Regularly check in with your children, especially when they are out. Ensure they have a way to contact you at all times.
- Information Sharing: Teach children not to share personal information with strangers or online, including their name, address, school, or plans.
6. Use Technology Wisely
- Tracking Devices: Consider using a smartwatch for kids with GPS tracking capabilities, kids GPS watches, or apps on children’s phones to keep track of their location and to learn about gadgets designed for kids.
- Emergency Contacts: Program emergency contacts into children’s phones and teach them how to use them.
7. Identify Potential Threats
- Awareness: Stay aware of potential threats in your area by following local news and community alerts.
- Suspicious Behavior: Teach children to be aware of and report any suspicious behavior or individuals.
8. Role-Playing Scenarios
- Practice: Regularly practice and role-play different scenarios with your children, such as what to do if approached by a stranger or if they get lost.
9. Stay Informed and Proactive
- Education: Educate yourself on the latest safety tips and resources from credible sources.
- Community Involvement: Participate in community events and safety programs that promote child safety and awareness.
10. Collaborate with Schools and Organizations
- School Safety: Work with your child’s school to ensure they have effective safety policies and procedures in place.
- Community Programs: Support and engage in community programs that focus on child safety and prevention of kidnapping.
By incorporating these strategies into daily routines, we can help reduce the risk of kidnapping and ensure our children have the knowledge and tools they need to stay safe. Let’s work together to create a safer environment for our kids.
FAQ:
Q: What should I teach my child about strangers?
A: Teach your child about “Stranger Danger,” explaining that they should never go anywhere with someone they don’t know, even if the person claims to know their parents. It’s also important to establish a family code word that only trusted people would know to use in emergencies.
Q: What community actions can help in preventing kidnappings?
A: Get involved in or start a neighborhood watch program to help keep an eye on unusual activities. Identify and teach children about safe places in the community where they can go if they feel threatened, such as stores, schools, or houses of trusted neighbors.
Q: How can I empower my kids with safety skills?
A: Enroll children in self-defense classes appropriate for their age. Teach them to yell loudly if someone tries to take them and to draw attention by yelling specific phrases like “This is not my parent!” Encourage children to trust their instincts and to seek help if something feels wrong.
Q: How can I track my child when they’re outside using a smartwatch?
A: To track your child outside using a smartwatch, select one designed for kids with GPS tracking, like those found here. Set up the watch by charging it, inserting a SIM card if needed, and downloading the companion app. Pair the watch with your phone, enable GPS, set safe zones, and configure emergency contacts. Teach your child how to use the watch, including the emergency button and calling features. Regularly check the app for your child’s location, ensure the watch is charged, and keep the software updated for optimal performance.
Q: How can I stay informed about potential threats?
A: Stay aware of potential threats in your area by following local news and community alerts. Teach children to be aware of and report any suspicious behavior or individuals.
Sources:
SINCHEW
China Press
enanyang.my
Free Malaysia Today
Daily Express
UNICEF
World Population Review
World Metrics
Global Missing KidsCNA
The Straits Times
Bernama
Astro Awani
Yahoo!
The Sun
The Star Online
mothership
The Vibes
Asia One
Sinar Daily
Says Dot Com
Astro Ulagam
Wake Up Singapore
