The rescue this week of three women in Cleveland who had been abducted nearly a decade ago is a reminder to parents that young children are not the only ones at risk for being snatched and taken, says Nancy McBride, national safety director for the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children.
Amanda Berry was 16 when she went missing in 2003 after leaving her job at a Burger King. Georgina "Gina" DeJesus was 14 when she disappeared in 2004 while walking home from school. Michelle Knight was 20 when she vanished in 2002.
"The 11-to-17 age group is more independent than younger kids, they're making more choices and decisions, and they don't have as much supervision by their parents," McBride says. That kind of freedom "is a logical progression, but unfortunately, it also puts young people at some additional risk," she says.
The women's safe recovery "rejuvenates all of us who have done this work for a long time and our belief that there can be happy endings to these situations," she adds.
The group offers these guidelines to parents to help them keep kids of all ages safe:
• Talk to your kids about recognizing and avoiding potentially dangerous situations, as well as people they don't know or those who make them feel uncomfortable — sad, scared or confused.
• Instruct them to always take a friend when going places and stay with a group while attending school outings and/or standing at the bus stop.
• Teach your children the appropriate steps to take if approached or followed. If anyone tries to grab them, tell them to draw attention to themselves and loudly yell, "This person is trying to take me," or "This person is not my father/mother."
• Teach them to get away from an uncomfortable situation or person as quickly as possible. "Teach them how to do it, including screaming, fighting and biting," McBride says. "Whatever you have to do to get away."
• Teach them that just because someone tries to engage them in conversation doesn't mean they should talk to that person or forget their safety rules. Tell them, if anyone bothers them or makes them feel uncomfortable, they should trust their instincts and immediately get away from that person. Remind them it is OK to be impolite and say no.
• Discuss safety issues with your children so they will understand the need for precautions.
• Get to know your know your child care providers, neighbors, coworkers and employees.
• Provide supervision and monitor kids' activities and schedule. Be clear about the places and homes your children can visit.
• Communicate with your children and listen to them. If you don't, someone else may.
The National Center for Missing & Exploited Children encourages the public to call its 24-hour hotline (1-800-843-5678) if you think you have seen a missing child.