BEALE AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. –
Each year 3,000 to 5,000 children are abducted by non-family members, according to police reports. Most of these are short-term sexually motivated cases. Of these cases, nearly 6 percent, or 200 to 300 cases, are the most serious where the child was murdered, ransomed or taken with the intent to keep.
The Air Force is committed to providing Airmen and their families with information and services to keep them healthy and safe. Happy families allow Airmen to concentrate on their Air Force mission.
Parents are encouraged to be on alert and protect their children. Below are several questions and suggestions for parents to help keep their children safe in public and online.
· Have you taught your child to recite his or her name, address and phone number? Sometimes putting the information in a simple song may help a child remember.
· If you must send someone else to pick up your child, do you have a secret code word? Does your child know to always ask for that code word (while standing a safe distance from the vehicle) before getting into anyone else's car?
· Does your child know not to get into cars or go into the houses of neighbors he or she doesn't know very well? (Go over a list of acceptable neighbors.)
· Have you explained to your child that, if lost or in danger, he or she can locate a pay phone and dial 911? Children should know that they do not need money to call 911.
· Does your child know to never use a public restroom alone?
· Does your child know that it is okay to say "no" to adults?
· Does your child know to be as loud as possible if he or she is in danger?
· Does your child know that it's okay to use physical violence, such as kicking, if he or she needs to protect himself or herself from harm?
· Does your child know to never exit an area (such as a store, the mall, or a zoo), even if the person helping asks him or her to step outside?
· Does your child know to approach a police officer if he or she has a problem?
· Does your child know to approach uniformed personnel if he or she is in danger? Can your child identify employee uniforms?
· Does your child understand that even trusted people shouldn't ask him or her to do something that makes him or her uncomfortable? Only 1.4 percent of abductions are by total strangers!
· Are you careful to never leave your child unattended in a public place or in a car?
· Do you know your child's friends and their parents? You should have a list with their phone numbers and addresses.
· Do you know the route your child takes from school to home?
· Have you designated "safe" houses in your neighborhood where your child may go if he or she is being harassed or followed?
· Are you involved in your child's after-school activities?
· Do you have a current photo and video of your child?
· Do you observe what your child is wearing on a daily basis, so you can give a description if needed?
· Do you have your child's fingerprints?
· Do you remember to never print a child's name on his clothes, or use nametags in public?
· If your child doesn't want to be with someone, do you ask why he or she is uncomfortable with this person, and pursue it until you find the reason?
· Have you told your child that if he or she gets lost, you will look for your child for as long as it takes?
· Do you always perform a reference and background check on a new caregiver?
· Do you supervise your child's time on the internet and talk to them about on-line predators?
While the Internet is a very positive learning tool, there is the darker side that can bring harm to children; thus the need for Internet child safety. Here are a few more tips for parents to teach their children.
1. I will not give out personal information such as my address, telephone number, parents' work address/telephone number, or the name and location of my school without my parents' permission.
2. I will tell my parents right away if I come across any information that makes me feel uncomfortable.
3. I will never agree to get together with someone I "meet" online without first checking with my parents. If my parents agree to the meeting, I will be sure that it is in a public place and bring my mother or father along.
4. I will never send a person my picture or anything else without first checking with my parents.
5. I will not respond to any messages that are mean or in any way make me feel uncomfortable. It is not my fault if I get a message like that. If I do I will tell my parents right away so that they can contact the service provider.
6. I will talk with my parents so that we can set up rules for going online. We will decide upon the time of day that I can be online, the length of time I can be online and appropriate areas for me to visit. I will not access other areas or break these rules without their permission.
7. I will not give out my Internet password to anyone (even my best friends) other than my parents.
8. I will check with my parents before downloading or installing software or doing anything that could possibly hurt our computer or jeopardize my family's privacy.
9. I will be a good online citizen and not do anything that hurts other people or is against the law.
10. I will help my parents understand how to have fun and learn things online and teach them things about the Internet, computers and other technology.