Child Safety Tips: Keeping Kids from Kidnappers

October 26, 2009 by Cathy Ribble
Filed under: News

With last week’s kidnapping and murder of 7-year old Somer Thompson and other child abductions in the news recently, parents will be even more vigilant this Halloween.

Clint Van Zandt, a former FBI profiler and hostage negotiator,urges parents to train children how to avoid dangerous situations.

Mr. Van Zandt makes a free DVD entitled “Protecting Children from Predators,” available at LiveSecure.org. He has released the following 10 safety tips that every child should know:

Do not get into any car unless your parents personally tell you to do so. Also, stay away from anyone who follows you on foot or in a car. You do not need and should not go near a car to talk to the people inside.
Adults and other people who need help should not be asking a child for help; they should be asking other adlts. Adults should not be asking you for directions or to look for a “lost puppy,” or telling you that your mother or father is in trouble and that they will take you to them.
Quickly get away from anyone who tries to take you somewhere. Yell or scream, “This person is not my father (or mother).”
You should use the “buddy system” and never go places alone. Always ask your parents’ permission to leve the yard/play area or to go over to someone’s home, and especially always ask permission before you go into someone’s home.
Never, never hitchhike! Do not try to get a ride with people unless your parents have told you it’s okay to do so.
People should not ask you to keep a special secret. If they do, tell your parents or teacher. Also, tell anyone who wants to take your picture, “No,” and quickly tell your parents or teacher.
No one should touch you on the parts of the body covered by your bathing suit, nor should you touch anyone else in those areas. You body is special and private.
You can be assertive and you have the right to say “No” to someone, including adults and even relatives or friends who try to take you somewhere against your will, touch you or make you feel uncomfortable in ANY WAY.
NOTE: Many parents use a special code word that only the child knows to convey a message should someone other than a parent ask a child to accompany them anywhere.
THE YELL: Practice a “special” yell. It is low, loud and long. It tells the person trying to hurt the child, “I know what to do! I’m not an easy victim!” It tells everyone within the sound of the child’s voice, “I need help!” It gets the child going, it breaks the “spell.” A child should not panic and freeze, thereby becoming immobile in an emergency. When you yelll you take a deep breath, thereby getting oxygen and energy to your brain and muscles. Your own yell can give you courage and get your feet moving when you need to run away!”

To read Clint Van Zandt’s bus stop safety tips and other safety teaching for your children, visit LiveSecure.org and How to Protect Kids from Kidnappers and Predators.