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Child kidnapping prevention tips for all ages

Parents need to empower their children, teenagers, and varsity-going young adults with all the information necessary to prevent kidnappings.

According to Missing Children South Africa, a child goes missing every five hours in our country. As parents, we don’t want our children to live in fear. Still, we live in a world where bad things happen.

In the wake of the Moti family kidnappings, which have made headlines over the last few days, we chat to Fidelity ADT on tips to keep our kids safe.

Safety tips to teach your kids

  • Children must always walk to or from school with a friend or friends. Stick to streets they know and never take shortcuts through quiet areas or empty parking lots and never walk with cell phones and iPads in full view.
  • If they get picked up at school, they should never leave the premises but always wait inside the school grounds for their lift to arrive.
  • Younger children particularly must never get into a stranger’s car– even if the stranger claims that someone they love is hurt and that they have been sent to pick them up. Remind them that you would never send someone they don’t know to fetch them.
  • Consider using a password system. If the person coming to collect you from school cannot repeat the password that you and your child agreed on, they should not get into the car but immediately ask for help.
  • If a stranger approaches your child, they should not talk to them no matter how friendly they may seem. If someone tries to grab them, they need to fight, kick and shout.
  • If your child does encounter any suspicious activity, encourage them to get a good look and memorise their physical details and clothing, as well as the vehicle they are in. Listen for any names or other details that might help identify them later.
  • Make sure your children memorise their full names, address, and phone number. Using a play phone, teach them when and how to dial 10111. If they are older they should have some emergency numbers programmed into their phone or consider having a safety App on their phone.

Safety tips for varsity aged children

  • Older children should be reminded to keep their valuables out of sight at all times and not to use headphones because this will dampen their ability to sense their surroundings. The more you cut your senses off the easier it is for someone to take you by surprise. Stay alert!
  • Alter their route: If they are walking home or to public transport, they need to alter their route. Even if it takes longer, always use a route that is well lit and populated with houses and other walkers instead of taking shortcuts through less-friendly areas. If you feel threatened, you can at least knock on someone’s door for help if you’re walking through a familiar neighbourhood.
  • If you are using a taxi service, ensure that it is a bona fide service provider.
  • Be extra cautious to go and meet anyone who befriends you on social media. Always meet in a public space with two or three friends as backup.
  • Be cautious to be lured by people offering you a job or modelling contract. Remember safety in numbers.

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I'm an experienced writer, sub-editor, and media & public relations specialist with a demonstrated history of working in the media industry – across digital, print, TV, and radio. I earned a diploma in Journalism and Print Media from leading institution, Damelin College, with distinctions (Journalism And Print Media, Media Studies, Technical English And Communications, South African Studies, African & International Studies, Technology in Journalism, Journalism II & Practical Journalism). I also hold a qualification in Investigative Journalism from Print Media SA, First Aid Training from St John’s Ambulance, as well as certificates in Learning to Write Marketing Copy, Planning a Career in User Experience, and Writing a Compelling Blog Post. More »
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