Blog

By Chris McElroy

I am the founder of a missing children organization and get asked all the time “How do I teach my child to be safe without scaring him or her? These tips will help you know what you need to do as a parent.

1. Keep a Kidsearch Network Child ID Kit, http://www.kidsearchnetwork.org/free-child-fingerprint-id-kits.htm in a safe place that is accessible 24/7 and update the photographs and other information every 6 months. If you do not have a kit for each of your children, go to that link to build one for free.

2. Make sure your child always checks with you before going anywhere with anyone.

3. Know your neighbors and other adults that have access to your children. Every state allows the public to check the criminal backgrounds of those who have access to your children. Just contact local law enforcement.

4. Know your neighborhood. Show your children the safest places to play and areas to avoid; like alleys and dark stairwells.

5. Do not advertise your child’s name on clothing, school supplies or backpacks.

6. Get a cell phone or pager for your child. This way you can be in contact with them at all times.

7. Make sure your child knows to scream and run if approached in an alarming way by anyone. Your child should be taught to ALWAYS tell you immediately if he or she is approached by a stranger who asks for help, offers candy/gifts, or frightens him/her in anyway. Your child should know to make you aware of anytime he or she feels uncomfortable with ANYONE.

8. If you have an Internet ready computer in the home, put it in a common area and use this software, Online Safety Shield at http://www.onlinesafetyshield.com to monitor your children’s Internet activities and what they are being exposed to.

9. Seek alternatives to leaving your children alone at home, in the car or outside. If your child is a latch-key kid, make sure that he or she knows to keep all doors and windows locked. Tell them to never let anyone know that he or she is alone and never let anyone in the house, not even someone claiming to be a police officer or from the fire department. Those kinds of professionals know to forcibly enter in case of an emergency.

10. Teach your children how to use a pay phone without money and how to call 911. Make sure your child learns his or her address and phone number at an early age. A second phone number of a friend or relative is also helpful. Teach your child how to make a collect phone call, and to begin with ‘Operator…I’m in trouble; I need your help.’

11. Do not leave a child unattended while shopping, visiting with neighbors or friends, or running errands. Under no circumstances should you leave a child alone in a car or truck. Amusement parks and other large, bustling venues aimed at entertaining children can attract predators.

12. If you maintain firearms in your home, use approved trigger locks and keep them safely locked up.

13. When your child comes to you with a problem or about someone making them feel uncomfortable, make sure that you listen and do not blame them.

14. If your child receives pornography on the Internet, (Many people who never surf porn still receive it in email), do not immediately blame your child. Discuss it with them and explain why it’s not allowed and how to immediately delete it. Report the sender to their ISP. Call The Kidsearch Network if you do not know how and we will do it for you.

Is the Internet a treasure chest of educational opportunities for kids? Or is it a place filled with all sorts of dangers?

The reality, of course, is that it is both. The online world can pose a threat to youngsters, ranging from exposure to sexually explicit material, to stalking, to physical molestation. Disturbing as well is the proliferation of child pornography.

About the Author: Chris McElroy is the founder of the Kidsearch Network , RunawayTeens.org and The Missing Children Blog

Source: isnare.com

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