Practical Child Safety Tips

Being a mother of three I have gone through the worrying and what seemed like endless nights of imagining all sorts of catastrophes. It seems nowadays with the arrival of the internet, smart phones, and the latest communication gadgets that our children are more exposed to danger.

Kidnappings have steadily risen and the numbers are frightening. It's been reported that every minute at least one child goes missing.

As parents we do our best to keep our children safe from harm but there are some practical child safety tips that you can try to further strengthen your children and prepare them for certain situations.

The mall is often a place where children get lost but there are ways to prevent this if they are not forcibly taken. Every mall has a book store or toy store. Agree to meet your child at a place that you both agree on. Many book stores and toy stores are nationwide so you are guaranteed a place where you and your child can wait for each other.

Believe it or not children have a pretty good sense of direction. Especially when it comes to places they often visit and love to go to. It's important to help them understand that they don't need to be scared because you will be looking for them. When you have a place that you agree on ask your child to wait for you inside. Tell him he can walk around and look at the items but to stay near the front of the store. In an instance where there are 2 branches of the same store in the mall tell him to go the nearest one and wait for you there because you will be checking both places. Another suggested place is a food court or fast food place. 

If your child should be approached by a stranger and asked if they're lost it's better that they say they are not because they do not know who this person is or what their intention could be. Advise them that if they are approached by a store personnel or security guard that they can ask for help but to never go to a secluded place with them. Because your child knows what to do if he does gets lost he builds a little confidence and becomes less scared in situations such as this.

Children have been snatched right off the street in broad daylight. They can help prevent this by staying alert. As much as possible your child should not be walking alone. If they have to advise them to walk far from the edge of the sidewalk. Children can sense danger but are often too afraid to speak up or act. If they should feel that they are in danger they should stay in a crowded area. Also ask them to avoid secluded areas.

A child that has been targeted has often been studied. If they have a pattern or a routine they keep to this makes it easier for someone to abduct them.

They should be wary of any strangers that ask them questions even women. Never get into a car with a stranger. Discuss with your child who is authorized to fetch them from school if an emergency should occur.

Sometimes we become prey even in our own homes. There are some safe guards that you can put in place though.

If your child is home alone for whatever reason tell your child to let the answering machine pick up the calls. If they should answer the phone they should never relay that they are alone. Some tricks that have worked are to pretend that you are home by saying something like "My mom is in the bathroom."

They should never give any personal information over the phone.

Technology has brought us to a whole new level but unfortunately it has done the same for predators around the world. A child that is often on line is more susceptible to coming in contact with child abusers.

Lonely children are befriended and often they gain a child's trust to the point that a child will meet them. There are some programs and software that you can install to track your child's use or block certain sites. However the best way is through communication.

Now, this is hard to achieve especially when children want their privacy but talking to your children about what they surf because you are interested and not because you are trying to catch them at something will open your kids up more.

Social networking sites have become a staple in any child's internet diet. Join your child and create an account. This is one way for you to check up on them and see the people they associate with.

If possible keep your computer in a common area. Though it's ideal for your child to have their own computer their's more of a chance of them being exposed to malicious content. If you can, limit the use of computers and encourage them to engage in other activities.

Cellphones are the best way to keep track of your child. Invest in a reliable brand and carrier so that you and your child have constant communication.

These are just a few suggestions but they are helpful. The best way to keep your child safe is through information and maintaining an open line of communication with your child.