Read Below for additional information and tips!

arents want to be sure their children are safe, but are they? There's lots we can do to protect them from danger: Buckle their seat belts, give them plenty of supervision and teach them the hazards of electricity, for example. But what about the danger posed by kidnappers and sexual predators? Fortunately, parents can do a lot to protect children from those dangers, too.


Don't assume that children -- especially young ones -- can protect themselves from danger.
If your children ever feel uncomfortable with someone, take the opportunity to explore why. Remember: Whom we trust or whom we fear isn't always an intellectual decision.
Make sure your kids know it's okay to rebuff and defy an adult they feel uncomfortable around. In fact, it's okay to strike or even injure someone if they believe they're in danger. Tell them you'll support any action they take as a result of feeling uncomfortable or afraid.
Teach your children it's okay to speak to strangers. That may sound illogical, but it's proven a wise safety precaution. After all, children who are lost may need to speak to a stranger to ask for help. What's really important to teach your children is not to go anywhere with strangers.
Teach your children that if they're ever lost or need help, it's best to seek out a woman to help them. The chances of choosing someone who's dangerous are small. Women are less likely than men to be dangerous and are more likely to stay involved until the situation is solved.
Tell your children that it's safer to choose someone to ask for help rather than waiting for someone to approach them. The person who approaches your child may be benevolent. Or that person may approach because your child is a vulnerable target.
Tell your kids to scream if anyone ever tries to force them to go somewhere -- even if the person threatens to hurt them if they scream. The scream should include, "This isn't my father (or mother)!" Tell them never to go anywhere out of public view with someone they don't know - especially if someone tries to persuade them to.
Make sure your kids know that you want to hear about any situation they're uncomfortable with -- especially if the person they're uncomfortable with says, "Don't tell."
Impress on your children that you'll never send anyone they don't know to pick them up. If you ever send someone to get them, it'll be someone they know.
Don't be any farther away from your young child than you'd be from your purse or briefcase in a public place.
Dress young children in brightly colored, distinctive, easily describable outfits when you take them out in public. Then, if they're ever lost, they'll be easy to spot.
Consider bringing a photo of your child when you go on vacation. Then, if you're ever separated, other people can help you search for your child.
Agree on a meeting place if you become separated from your child in a public place. If your children know to meet by the elephant exhibit or at the snow cone stand, your separation "anxieties" will likely be a lot shorter.

-- Protecting the Gift: Keeping Children and Teenagers Safe (and Parents Sane) by Gavin De Becker

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