Prevent Child Abduction by Understanding Lures
Protect Kids from Pedophiles and Child Predators
Sep 8, 2009
It's true that child abductions by complete strangers are relatively rare, but that doesn't mean that the danger isn't real. Protect kids from child predators, molesters, and abductors with these basic child safety tips.
Close Parental Supervision is the Best Defense Against Child Abduction
When visiting a park or mall play place, keep a close eye on children. It's tempting for parents to want to relax and read and book or make phone calls while kids are occupied, but this is the most important place to watch children like a hawk.
Child predators hang out at places like these, waiting for a child to pass by whose parent is momentarily distracted. The best way to prevent child abduction is to supervise kids closely whenever in public.
Don't Tell Kids Not to Talk to Strangers
For generations, parents have told kids "don't talk to strangers," but this is illogical and impossible. Parents contradict this advice all the time, encouraging and even expecting their kid to talk to strangers when meeting new teachers, ordering in a restaurant, or asking for help if they are lost.
Make sure children know what a stranger really is, and address specific scenarios that might arise if they are ever approached by a child predator.
Popular Lures Used by Child Predators
Every parent should understand techniques used by pedophiles and child molesters to lure children away. According to the pamphlet "16 Common Predator Lures" from the National Security Alliance, child predators often:
- Ask kids to help them find a lost pet. They encourage the child to wander farther and farther away, looking for the nonexistent dog or cat.
- Pull over and ask kids for directions or other help. Teach children that if someone ever pulls their car over, don't stop walking and definitely don't go near the car.
- Ask for help with a task, like carrying something to a car. Teach kids that they can say no to a stranger who asks for help with something. Adults should ask other adults for help, not kids.
- Tell kids there's been an emergency. They scare kids into following them away, rushing them so they don't have time to realize that it doesn't make sense. A common line is "Your mom got hurt and I'm here to take you to her in the hospital."
- Offer candy or money to get kids near their car or lure children away from public areas.
- Call children by name to establish a false sense of familiarity. Kids automatically trust someone who knows their name. Don't label their clothes or backpack with their name where it is easily visible.
- Pretend that they are an authority figure. A badge or uniform can lead children to trust or believe anything a child molester says.
Child safety begins with awareness of common predator lures and lines used by child abductors to kidnap new victims. Discuss them with even young children, and repeat the message often.
Protect kids from child molesters, predators, and abductors with these basic child safety tips. Have specific, frequent conversations about stranger danger and make sure kids know how to respond to common lures used by child predators.
Readers will also want to see Basic Self-Defense for Kids.
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