Back to School: Be Sure Your Children Are Prepared for Dangerous Situations Along the Way

According to a recent report, children are at the most risk of abduction as they walk to and from school and school related activities. 

38% of attempted abductions occur while a child is walking or riding a bicycle alone to or from school or the bus stop.  

37% of attempted abductions occur between the hours of 2 and 7 p.m. on weekdays. 

43% of attempted abductions involve children between the ages of 10 and 14. 

72% of attempted abduction victims are female

Is your child prepared? Obviously, "the buddy system" is a great idea as two or more kids walking together are much less likely to be approached. But there is more you can do to protect your child.

Of course for younger children even the buddy system isn't enough, as they should have adult supervision to and from school. For older kids there are tips you can use to help empower them to recognize potentially dangerous situations and how to react if the need arises. 

For instance, family code words are great in the scenario that you have to send someone else to pick up your child for some reason. If the person knows the code word, your child is assured that you sent the person and they are safe. 

Kids need to pay attention to their surroundings, especially as they walk to and from school. Don't cut through wooded areas or construction sites or anywhere that is off the beaten path and out of sight of well-traveled roads. 

Take the time to walk the route to school or the bus stop with your child to look for potential problem areas as well as places your child could go if she is feeling scared or needs help.

Remind your children that predators often ask kids for help in order to lure them. With the exception of a few people whom you trust implicitly, teach your kids that anytime anyone asks for help to respond, "I have to check first." It doesn't matter whether they know the person or not, checking first is mandatory. Predators use this lure often as kids love to help.

Above all, instill a sense of confidence in your child. A child who understand boundaries and will stand up for himself is much less likely to be victimized.