Protecting Your Children

Introduction

Children are particularly attractive targets for criminals - particularly children of families where there is a perception of wealth. Many poorer countries perceive all foreigners to be wealthy. Since you are not with your children 24 hours every day, it is your responsibility to teach them how to cope with the variety of situations they may encounter. Have regular, open discussions about security. Help them to understand that security precautions are essential for the safety and welfare of the entire family.

Protecting Children

Never leave young children at home alone, even if you're "only going to be gone for a minute." That's all it takes for a professional criminal to do their work or for the child to become a victim of a disaster.

Educate school-aged children in the use of the telephone, conversing with strangers and answering the door.

Instruct children never to give out information over the phone or the internet, especially their name and address. Never let a caller know that you are home alone.

The best advice is for children not enter internet chat rooms of any kind and never answer the phone except when you call at a pre-arranged time.

Children should be told to travel on the main roads, in groups or in pairs.

Not to play in isolated areas, parks, alleys or empty buildings.

Not to go to a friend's place after school unless you know the person and the family.

A specified time must be set for their return home. The best advice is to ensure they call you by phone when they are about to leave.

Younger children should always arrive home before darkness falls.

In some countries, it is advisable to always deliver and pick your children up from friends residences.

Children should never leave home without telling you where they are going and with whom, and to call if their arrangements change.

In many areas and countries children should be accompanied to and from the school bus stop. In some circumstances it may be necessary to use private conveyance to and from school.

At school, be sure that before a child is released to anyone other than the parent, a teacher or administrator phones the parent for approval. On phone requests, make sure the school has a procedure to verify identity before releasing your child.

Be aware that if a child is the subject of custody proceedings or rights, under no circumstances should they be picked up from school by an unauthorised person. Many countries do not recognise other countries court orders.

School authorities should be fully informed if there is difficulty in custody cases.

In cases where a parent cannot be immediately contacted, prior arrangements should be made with schools to contact a relative or close friend of the family who is designated to authorise release.

Make sure that adult supervision is provided at all times in recreational and other areas.

In public places, such as a shopping mall and parks, instruct children to scream "Help, he's not my Daddy!" or "Help, she's not my Mummy!" if someone tries to grab them.

Instruct children never to enter a motor vehicles of persons they do not know, even if the person claims to know members of the family.

All such incidents should be reported to the Police.

Teach your children how to read and memorise vehicle registration numbers.

Teach your children to tell you everything. Caring parents always know where their child is going and with whom.