All it takes is 90 seconds. You turn your head away from your child in a public place … and they’re gone!
Seven attempted kidnappings have been reported in Pretoria during October and November of this year. All of these attempts involved small children; took place in public places like shopping centres and churches, while the child was accompanied by the mother … all of them in broad daylight! One of them being an eight week old baby, Ila Burger at a shopping centre in Pretoria East.

According to Missing Children South Africa, the shocking reality is that a child goes missing every 5 hours in South Africa. Luckily 77% of children are found. Sadly, this leaves us with at least 23% of the children not being located. Child trafficking is a global problem affecting large numbers of children. According to UNICEF as many as 1.2 million children are trafficked every year to be traded into forced labour or for sexual exploitation.

Are you as a parent cautious enough? What are your safety measures, especially during the busy holiday season?
Talking to our kids about “stranger-danger” and considering the job done, is a dangerous and outdated assumption. The goal and responsibility of us as parents is to safeguard our children and to teach them safety skills without instilling unnecessary fears. There is no perfect age when parents should begin teaching children about personal safety. A child’s ability to comprehend and practise safety skills is affected by age, educational and developmental levels.

There are a few things parents can do to minimize the chances of a kidnapping:
• According to special investigator from Safety and Security in South Africa, Mike Bolhuis, parents should always be paranoid and alert.
• Parents should know where kids are at all times.
• Never let your child out of your sight. Make a rule with your kids that you should always be able to see them, and they must always be able to see you.
• Assign a designated meeting spot with older children should you become separated. Remind them that you would never leave without them.
• Never leave children unattended in play areas, arcades or toy stores. Predators will patrol these areas looking for unsupervised kids.
• Don’t allow your kids to go alone to the bathroom in shopping centres.
• Never leave kids unattended in a car or stroller, not even for a minute.
• When you’re walking with a small child in a public place, always hold her hand.
• Consider using a harness for toddlers prone to run off. Remember your child’s safety is what’s important, so don’t worry about what others think.
• Never allow kids in their primary years to walk to and from school, or a friend’s house, or play outside unattended. They just are not able to protect themselves.
• Don’t drop kids off at malls, movie theatres, arcades or parks.
• Teach your kids that adults should not approach kids for help or directions.
• Your kids should know your address, your home telephone number, your cell phone number, and your work number.
• Make it very clear to your children whose cars they can get into – anyone not on the list is out of bounds.
• Children should not wear clothing on which their names are boldly displayed – they will respond to their name even if it is a stranger calling them.
• Children should not accept gifts or favours from anyone without checking with you first.
• Assure them that it is ok to run and scream if someone follows them or tries to force them into a car.
• Rehearse safety skills, especially with little ones, so that they become second nature.
• Choose babysitters with care. Always obtain references and drop in unexpectedly to see how your kids are doing.
• Make sure that the school is aware who picks your child up from school.
• Carry a recent, clear photograph of your child with you, this will help the police and the public search for your child if she goes missing.

Anyone who sees suspicious behaviour or an attempted kidnapping is urged to phone Crime Stop on 08600 – 1011. Have a safe and wonderful holiday season!

Source: Kidshealth.org, www.hoedspruit.co.za, www.safm.co.za, www.missingchildren.org.za, www.babalove.co.za, www.bhg.com, www.huffingtonpost.com, lightingtheirwayhome.wordpress.com, www.censorbugbear.org, drrobynsilverman.com, rekoreast.co.za, www.psaru.co.za

DISCLAIMER: The information on this website is for educational purposes only, and is not intended as medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. If you are experiencing symptoms or need health advice, please consult a healthcare professional.