Did you know that, according to figures from the RCMP, approximately 186 children are reported missing each day in Canada? That’s one almost every 7.75 minutes; recent US statistics are much more alarming, somewhere in the United States approximately every 40 seconds a child is reported missing. In fact, by the time you have finished reading this article, the odds are that another child has been reported missing or abducted.
The thought that a child could be taken or go missing is a very real fear that all of us, as parents, share. Naturally, we want to keep our children safe, but we can’t watch over them 24 hours a day. I am frequently asked by parents for advice on what they can do to protect their children. I’d like to share some advice with you so you can reduce the risk that such a tragic event will ever befall your family.
First, teach your child his or her full name, address, phone number and your full name. That way, if they are ever lost, they can give this information to a police officer. You should also teach them how to dial 0 or 911 in the event of an emergency. After all, the sooner they can make that call for help, the better....