24 Ways To Help Prevent Child Abduction

Contributed by Jim Curtis, Executive Director, North American Self-Defense Association (www.nas-da.com)

- Never say they are alone if they answer the phone; they can offer to take a message or say their parents will phone back.

- Never answer the door if they are alone.

- Not invite anyone into their house without the permission of a parent or babysitter.

- Not go into another person's house without letting anyone know where they are.

- Never get into anyone's car without a parent's permission.

- Not take candy or other gifts from strangers or anyone else without asking a parent first.

- Never play in deserted buildings or isolated areas.

- Scream as loud as possible and scatter books or belongings if they are forced toward a building or into a car.

- Move away from any car that pulls up beside them if they do not know the driver.

- Be taught their full telephone number and address.

- Be taught that it's alright to say "no" to an adult if that person wants them to  do something you've taught them is wrong.

- Know that no one has the right to touch any part of their body that a bathing suit would cover.

- Tell you, school authorities or a police officer about anyone who exposes their private parts.

- Tell you if someone has asked them to keep a secret from you.

- Go to the nearest cashier if lost or separated from you in a store or mall.

Teens Should:

- Tell you where they are at all times or leave a written or recorded message at home.

- If attacked for money, jewelry or clothing, give it up rather then risk injury.

- Avoid shortcuts through empty parks, fields, laneways or alleys.

- Run home or go to the nearest public place and yell for help if they are being followed.

- Feel that they can talk to you and call you to pick them up any time, any place.