It is every parent’s nightmare – a child that has gone missing or has been kidnapped.
The media bombards the public with horror stories of children disappearing, being kidnapped, being sexually violated, lost in shopping malls or sold into slavery, and that is just a few of the tragedies that can befall a child at the hands of criminals.
Florida Police Station’s Captain Lydia Dikolomela has provided the public with the following preventive tips that can help residents prevent such a tragedy.
• Always make sure you know your children’s whereabouts.
• Make sure you know your child’s friends, siblings and parents. Invite them over to get to know them.
• Teach your children always to report unusual incidents to an adult they can trust, for example a teacher, spiritual leader or any other adult family member.
• Teach your children to scream for help if anyone tries to take them away or force them into a situation that they are uncomfortable with.
• Always keep your child in sight in public places such as shopping malls. Although many restaurants nowadays cater for children with play areas make sure that you have a table where you can have them in your sight at all times.
• Never leave your child alone in a parked car.
• Work out the safest route for your child to and from school and make sure they use it.
• Teach your children never to accept lifts, gifts or money from someone they do not know.
• Never send your child alone anywhere, for example to the supermarket to buy bread.
• Teach your children to report an incident where a friend or family member made them feel uncomfortable.
• Teach your children how to use a telephone when they need help and let them memorise two important numbers such as the police and/or your own.
• Teach your children not to disclose their personal information, such as address, to strangers.
• Teach your children not to let anyone touch them inappropriately.
