School Safety Most kidnappers target children before or after school. Before and after school there is a large

amount of confusion as children and adults come and go. In this confusion a kidnapper may attempt to snatch a child through

deception.

A common deception is for a predator to hang around before and after school, blending in and becoming a familiar face. They may

interact in a friendly manner with other adults and even children. During this time they are

listening and learning names. They are watching and learning routines; does a child walk to school or does a parent pick them up?

They are waiting for an opportunity to strike.

Example: You are stuck in traffic and are 15 minutes late for picking up little Jimmy from

school. An opportunity has presented itself for the stranger to now approach Jimmy.

“Hi Jimmy! Hey mom is running late because of an accident. She wants me to drive you

home so you don’t have to wait here forever.” “Oh okay, thanks”

The Code Word How could the above scenario be avoided? You

and your child develop a code word and keep it secret. Let’s take another look at the above

scenario and how it can be different. “Hi Jimmy! Hey mom is running late because

of an accident. She wants me to drive you home so you don’t have to wait here forever.”

“What’s the code word?”

“Mom didn’t tell me a code word. She just said it was important I pick you up”

“Sorry. No code word. No ride. I think I

will wait inside the school. Thanks.””

www.missingkids.com www.bullyshield.scrantonmma.com

Stranger Danger!

There are more than 6 billion

people inhabiting the planet

Earth. Most of whom are good

but some are bad.

Of the bad people some steal

money from banks, some steal

belongings from homes, and

some steal kids. There is

nothing more frightening for a

parent than the reality of losing

a child! Every day in the U.S.,

approximately 2,000 kids are

reported missing.

In this book we will discuss with

you the most common tricks

used by kidnappers and how

you can teach your children to

be safeguarded against them.

Don’t take short cuts or “secret ways”. It is too easy for a stranger to approach you in these secluded areas.

Never approach a car that is not driven by a

family member or very trusted family friend.

Never take anything from a stranger. Not candy. Not money. Not toys.

Quickly run the opposite direction the car is

facing and stay on the busy street. Under no

circumstance run for a “short cut”.

Ask for the code word! Maybe the predator

says “Mom’s been in an accident. I am

supposed to take you to the hospital.”

If you are lost immediately find a police officer, fire fighter, emt, or a person who works at the place you are lost. Find a person of trusted

authority.

www.amberalert.gov www.bullyshield.scrantonmma.com

Street Smarts

Jimmy is walking along the road to play at the park with friends. A car drives up and a man

hangs a photo of an adorable puppy out the window. “Excuse me. Have you seen my little

girl’s puppy? She lost him this morning and she won’t stop crying. Can you please help me

find him? There is a reward.”

It is a common ploy used by kidnappers to entice children close enough to the car so that they

may grab the child; play to a child’s good hearted nature.

“Can you help me find my dog?”

“Can you give me direction to the gas station?”

“Are there any cool game shops nearby?”

Children are naturally inquisitive and helpful and this very innocent view of the world can

make them a target. How then can you safeguard your child against this type of ploy? Share

these tips with your child:

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Internet Dangers

Household Rules

Many households have rules in order to

keep the peace. Brush your teeth three

times a day, put the toilet seat down,

don’t run with scissors, wash behind your

ears, eat your vegetables, and many

more. However three rules above all

other rules should be established. These

rules can never ever be broken by the

child.

Never open the front door

without parent permission.

Never answer the phone without

parent permission.

Do not give personal

information to anyone over the

phone.

When we were children computers were still a

novelty luxury in many households – and there

definitely wasn’t an internet! The internet has

revolutionized the way we learn about the world

and how we interact with it socially. Today’s

children – in large part because of the internet –

are learning faster than ever before. They are

interacting with people from all over the world

allowing information to travel the globe in the

blink of an eye. The downside to this

unprecedented global socialization is that the

“bad guys” are blended in the masses. They are

faceless. They are anonymous. They have

access to your child that they never had before.

As quickly as your child is learning about new

cultures, ancient histories, and which Kardashian

is dating which sports star, the kidnappers are

learning your child’s like and dislikes, habits and

routines, and even their names and faces all in

order to gain their trust, set up a meeting, and

take them away forever.

How can you keep your child safe from these

hidden predators? Establish these internet rules:

Never use the Internet without parent

permission.

Never visit any websites without parent

permission.

Never send personal information without

parent permission.

Never agree to meet anyone without

parent permission.

If anything makes you feel uncomfortable,

tell your parents immediately

No matter how diligent a child’s awareness, let’s

face it, a child is a child and often times they lose

focus. If the unthinkable happens and your child is

grabbed by an attacker teach them they must fight

and scream for help with every ounce of energy in

their being! Under no circumstances should the

child ever willingly cooperate with a kidnapper no

matter what they threaten.

“If you scream I will hurt you.” SCREAM!

“If you fight I will hurt your mom” FIGHT!

In the face of this threat let your child know that

everything they do is okay! Scream, Fight, Scratch,

Bite, Break Things! Be the biggest pain in the neck

,brat of child they can be – and it is okay! Let your

child know it is allowed and they won’t get in

trouble no matter what they do or say!

Have An Emergency

Escape Plan!

Drugs! The Ultimate Kidnapper Every day, drugs steal thousands of kids from their otherwise healthy, happy, and prosperous lifestyles.

There is no doubt that one day drugs will try to sneak up on your child, and when that day comes, they

can use these strategies to avoid becoming a victim.

Drugs are as sneaky and dangerous as any kidnapper, once they get a hold of you can disappear

forever!

There are no good drugs! Just because a drug is legal doesn’t make it good! Alcohol and cigarettes

are just as bad as cocaine or heroin!

People that offer you drugs or alcohol are not your friends. Drugs ruin lives and friends don’t you’re

your life. Don’t be afraid to tell your parents that someone has offered you drugs.

Being drug and alcohol free is cool!