Golden rule, lost, cell phones

The golden rule

Teach children this valuable rule: It doesn’t matter who it is or what the situation, if you are ever unsure about something or someone, ask for another adult’s help. Whether it be protection from sexual abuse or abductions, or even other safety issues for that matter, this is an invaluable rule for children to learn and get into the habit of doing.

If a friend picks you up and you are not sure, ask another adult first. If someone wants to do something with you that makes you feel funny, ask another adult first. If a friend wants you to do something with them and you are not sure, ask an adult first. Always ask whenever you aren’t sure.

What to do if lost

Children get lost all the time. Whether in a grocery store, mall, or large gathering, it will happen. Normally it is nothing more than a scary experience for the child and a nerve-wracking time for their parents. However, it is important that we prepare children for the chance that they may get lost. Not only will it lead to the experience getting resolved quicker, but more importantly, avoid the chance of a snatch.

·	When going to amusement parks and other crowded events, carry a current photo of your children and designate a pre-planned meeting place in case they get separated.

Tell children that if they are ever lost, they should look for a policeman, security officer, fireman, or somebody else in uniform to go to. If there are no policeman around, they should go into a store or business and tell someone who is working that they are lost and need help finding their parents.

·	Tell children that they should try to stay as calm as possible if they ever do get lost. Remind them that if this ever happens, as long as they do what they are supposed to do, they will eventually find their parents again.

To avoid getting lost in the first place, tell children that whenever they are in crowded places they should stay close to their parents and hold their hand if possible. Don’t go wandering off or leave to look at something, even for a minute, because all it takes is a few seconds for you to get separated from your parents and lost.

Cell Phones

As weird as it sounds to equip a child with a cell phone, especially to old fashioned folk, cell phones can be a wonderful tool in the fight for child safety. They are especially handy if you ever have your child walk home by themselves to an empty house, or ‘latchkey children’, as they are sometimes called.

·	Instruct your child to call you as soon as they get out of school. Many parents even talk with their children about their day as they walk home from school, so that the parents can check up and at the same time be on the line to ensure a safe trip home.

·	Once home, have your child call you again, to let you know that they are safe.

·	Have them keep the cell phone on themselves even while at home, so if by chance an emergency should arise, they will always be able to call for help.