How to Teach a Child to Escape or Prevent an Abduction

No parent wants to think about the possibility of kidnapping, but teaching your child how to escape a would-be abductor can save their lives. According to North Dakota Amber Alert, helping kids protect themselves means letting them know that sometimes it's okay not to be polite to adults. Children who are unafraid to stand up for themselves can discourage or escape a kidnapper. Teaching your child what to do, reminding them often and practicing escape techniques can make the difference between life and death.

Instructions

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      Teach your child escape techniques such as swinging his arms like a windmill, kicking and screaming. Tell him swinging his arms in big circles makes it impossible for an abductor to get a grip on him. Practice often.

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      Have your child memorize her full name, address, phone number and 911. Ask her often to repeat them to you. Practice using a cell phone, home phone and pay phone, reminding her that 911 calls are always free from pay phones.

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      Tell your child that an abductor is unlikely to hurt him in a public place. Insist that he run away from the abductor immediately, even if the person threatens to shoot or hurt him, and to surround himself with as many other people as possible.

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      Point out safe adults. If you go to a store or shopping mall regularly, teach your child to recognize security guards and employees by their badges, name tags or the patches on their clothes. Tell her that if someone tries to take her, she can run to one of those people for help. Let her know it's all right to physically hang onto a safe adult if necessary.

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      Explain car safety. Show your child how a car ignition works and tell her that sticking a piece of gum, paper, a button or other small object into the keyhole will prevent the abductor from starting the car. Explain how to remove a taillight panel from inside the trunk, and tell your child that doing so can make a police officer stop the driver.

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      Walk common routes with your child and teach him to recognize landmarks and the names of streets in the area. Before allowing him to walk to school alone, have him lead you there and back without any assistance. When driving, ask him to lead you home. Point out safe locations along the way, such as stores, churches and trusted neighbors' houses, so he knows where to go if he suspects someone is following him.

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