Missing, abducted or trafficked children – what you need to know
MOST children who are reported missing have either run away from home or there has been a misunderstanding with their parents about where they were supposed to be.
Of the children and teens who are truly abducted, most are taken by a family member or an acquaintance.
Only 25% of children are taken by strangers. Almost all children kidnapped by strangers are taken by men, and about two thirds of stranger abductions involve female children. Most abducted children are in their teens. Children are rarely abducted from school grounds.
Never go anywhere alone, and always be with people you know and trust.
Always tell your parents where you are going. If your plans change, make sure your parents are aware of this and that they have your friends’ phone numbers.
Know your parents’ names and telephone numbers off by heart, as well as another family member’s details in case you can’t get hold of your parent.
If you get lost in a shopping mall, don’t go looking for your parents by yourself.
Don’t go with people you don’t know or don’t trust.
Go to public toilets accompanied by your friends or parents.
Don’t take gifts from strangers. Never accept lifts from strangers. Scream and shout when you think someone is following you - rather be safe than sorry.
Write your name and parents’ phone numbers inside your school bag, so that strangers cannot see it. Don’t play in the streets alone. Remember the buddy system. Always take a friend with you. Don’t go anywhere alone - this way you can help each other when you’re in trouble.
TIPS FOR PARENTS
Don’t wait 24 hours before reporting your child missing.
At all times know where your child is, who they are with and what they are wearing.
Always keep a recent photo of your child on hand so that it is readily available in case of an emergency. Have ID- like photos taken of your kids every six months and have your children fingerprinted. Make an effort to know your child’s friends, their names, addresses and phone numbers. Be involved in your child’s life. Build a trusting relationship and create a home environment where they want to be and bring their friends.
If your children are still very young, teach them their own names and addresses as well as your name and telephone number.
Take your children to the nearest police station, hospital and clinic to show them how to find it easily; point out landmarks to prevent them from getting lost. Point out the homes of friends around the neighbourhood where your children can go in case of trouble. Teach your children to take the same route to and from places.
Teach your child to make loud noises in order to attract attention. Teach them to move away from any car that pulls up beside them and is driven by a stranger, even if that person looks lost or confused.
For those kids who have cell phones, parents need to be techno savvy in order to monitor their children’s online activity. If a parent allows a child to have a cell phone, then that parent has a responsibility to ensure that the child is using the device safely and within boundaries. Keep your children’s medical and dental records up to date.
Make online safety a priority. Be aware of your kids’ internet activities and chat room “friends”, and remind them never to give out personal information.
Avoid posting identifying information or photos of your children online.
Set boundaries about the places your children go. Supervise them in places like malls, movie theatres, parks, public bathrooms, or while fundraising door- to- door. Never leave children alone in a car or stroller, even for a minute. Choose caregivers - babysitters, childcare providers and nannies - carefully and check their references. If you’ve arranged for someone to pick up your kids from school or daycare, discuss the arrangements beforehand with your kids and with the school or childcare centre. Avoid dressing your children in clothing with their names on it - children tend to trust adults who know their names.
One of the challenges of being a parent is teaching your children to be cautious without filling them with fear or anxiety. Talk to your children often about safety, and give them the basics on how to avoid and escape potentially dangerous situations.
If your kids are old enough to stay home alone, make sure they keep the door locked and never tell anyone who knocks or calls they are home alone.
IF YOUR CHILD IS MISSING, ABDUCTED OR TRAFFICKED
The first few hours are the most critical in missing- child cases. So it’s important to contact your local police and give them information about your child right away.
Contact the SAPS on 08600 10111 Contact the DSD Call Centre on 087 158 3000
Contact Childline on 0800 055 555