Kidnapping – safety tips for your kids

In the wake of the two kidnappings that have made headlines over the last few days in Cape Town and Vanderbijlpark, Fidelity ADT has issued a general alert to all residents.

The security company urged parents to empower their children, teenagers and young adults with all the information necessary to respond to any crisis or crime.

“As parents and guardians, it is our responsibility to not only educate our children about safety but to also give them the necessary tools to deal with a crisis. While we certainly don’t want to live in fear, we do need to have frank conversations about what to do when things go wrong,” explains Charnel Hattingh, company communications and marketing manager.

According to Hattingh, it’s important to teach your children the following:

1. Always walk to school and back in groups. Stick to familiar roads, avoid abandoned streets and never walk around with a cell phone or technology device in hand.

2. When waiting for a lift from school, wait inside school grounds.

3. Teach your child to never get into a stranger’s car, no matter what excuse they give.

4. Create a password that whoever picks your child up should provide the child.

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5. Your child must know to never talk to a stranger who approached them. If someone tries to grab your child, tell them to shout, kick and fight back the loudest and best they can.

6. If your child encounters any suspicious activity, encourage them to get a good look and memorise the suspect’s physical details, clothing and vehicle or voice markers.

7. Make sure that your children memorise their full name, address and parents’ phone number. Teach them to remember emergency numbers supply them a tracking device such as a trackable watch

The following tips are applicable to students:

1. Older children are urged to keep their valuables out of sight and avoid using earphones in public spaces as it will weaken their ability to sense danger.

2. When walking home, teach your child to always use well-lit and populated streets.

3. When using a taxi service, ensure it is a bona fide service provider.

4. Teach your child to be cautious of anyone they meet online.

5. Be cautious of people offering them a job or modelling contract.

“Quite simply, the same rules that apply to adults need to be instilled in children and young adults and if someone cannot be found, it is vital to report this to the authorities immediately,” concludes Hattingh.

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