Child Safety: What to do if your child goes missing
You turn your head for a moment and suddenly your child isn't where you thought they were. We all know how easy it is to lose sight of a kid in a playground or crowded shopping centre. Here's our advice on how to prevent it but also what to do if your child goes missing.
What parents should do:
Try to keep your children within your sight. Or if you're with another adult, make sure you know who's responsible for keeping an eye on them.
In crowded places use reins for your toddler or wrist straps for older children - these will keep your child nearby even if you get distracted.
When you go out with your family, agree with your children a point where you will meet up if you are separated. For example, in a shop name a place like the store cafe or at the airport say you'll meet at the flight information desk.
Missing when out and about
If your child goes missing whilst you're out with them, make sure you inform the shop as soon as you realise they're not with you. Stores, shopping centres and other public places have child safety procedures they can put in place. Their staff should be your first contact before you go looking for your child. Don't move too far from the spot where you last saw your child.
Missing from home
If your child goes missing from home, the government advice is to stay calm, then visit playgrounds and any hiding-place in and around the house, then in the neighbourhood. Check your child is not at a neighbour's/ friend's house and determine if any clothing is missing or personal stuff that might indicate a run-away.
If you think your child is lost or has been kidnapped, contact the police and prepare the following information...
• A description of your child (clothing worn, personal stuff that they may be carrying)
• Physical information (age, height, weight, sex, eyes colour etc)
• Where and when they were last seen
• The most recent picture you can find
• An accurate description of the places your child likes to go, the people they like to meet etc.
Then, work in teams of people to search the area. If you find any clue, don't touch it but instead mark the place and tell the police what you have found.
What your child should do:
Tell your child to avoid talking to people they don't know when you're not around.
| Your child shouldn't be afraid to make a fuss or shout - the key thing is that they stay safe. |
Make sure your child knows never to walk away with anyone they don't know. Tell them even if someone says 'Your mummy asked me to pick you up' always tell the person in charge. Also, the fact that someone knows their name, or says they know someone in their family many not always be true. If a stranger tries to take their hand or their arm or offer them a lift, they shouldn't be afraid to make a fuss or shout – the key thing is that they stay safe.
Make sure your child understands that they should always tell you if a stranger approaches, and never to keep this secret.
Have your children learn their address and telephone number by heart.
If your child gets lost, they should ask for help from a police officer, another grown-up with children or someone working at a nearby shop.
In a large shop tell your child that if they get separated from you to go and find someone working behind a till – in stores where the staff don't wear uniforms, this is a good way of indicating to children a person whom they can trust.
Finally, do remember that child abduction and stranger danger is very rare.
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