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Detective Carl Filsinger of the Weston Police Department shared these recommendations on how children can protect themselves from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children:
If you are in a public place and get separated from your parents, don't wander around looking for them. Go to a checkout counter, the security office or lost and found and tell the person in charge that you have lost your mom and dad and need help finding them.
You should not get into a car or go anywhere with any person unless your parents have told you that it is OK.
If someone follows you on foot or in a car, stay away from him or her. You don't need to go near a car to talk to people inside.
Grownups and other people who need help should not be asking children for help; they should be asking older people.
No one should be asking you for directions or to look for a "lost puppy" or telling you that your mother or father is in trouble and that he will take you to them.
If anyone tries to take you somewhere, quickly run from him or her and yell or scream, "This man is trying to take me away" or "This person is not my father or mother."
You should always try to use the "buddy system" and never go places alone.
Always ask you parents' permission to leave the yard or play area or go to someone's house.
Never hitchhike or try to get a ride with anyone unless your parents have told you it is OK to ride with him or her.
No one should ask you to keep a special secret. If he or she does, tell your parents or teacher.
If someone wants to take your picture, tell him or her NO and tell your parents or teacher.
No one should touch you in the parts of your body covered by a bathing suit, nor should you touch anyone else in those areas. Your body is special and private.
You can be assertive and you have the right to say NO to someone who tries to take you somewhere, touches you or makes you feel uncomfortable in any way.
What tips do you have to help keep your children safe? Please let us know in the comment box below.
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