Seven things parents can do when a child goes missing

Widespread fear takes over once people catch wind of a child going missing. Outcries for prayer and panic dominate news, which generally circulates on social media first.

Our first instinct might be to update our Facebook status and let as many people as possible know what’s going on, but this might not always be the solution. Newcastle is no stranger to criticism on social media –  criticism that puts unnecessary stress on the families of missing children.

Here is a checklist of things parents can do the moment their children go missing.

1. Contact police immediately. Don’t delay getting in touch with the police- it could means the difference between life and death.

2. Contact the child’s school or daycare. More often than not someone at their school or daycare will have information otherwise inaccessible.

3. Contact the child’s friends sooner rather than later. Keeping a list of people your children often spend time with is advisable.

4. Search through the child’s room. Any information written down on a notepad or diary may help in the search operation. Although it may seem like an invasion of privacy to some, it could help determine whether their going missing was prompted or voluntary.

5. Report back to the investigating officer the moment you have any new information. The more they have to work with, the easier it may be to locate them.

6. Request that police send the child’s information to organisations like the Pink Ladies. This will ensure that as many people as possible are on the lookout for them.

7. The  last resort should be social media. Allowing police to do their job is crucial. The last thing parents need is people making assumptions and aggravating the situation even more.