Soklar asked this question on 4/12/2000:

What, in your opinion, is the best way to protect kids from abductors etc. when they are walking around a mall w/ friends?

Poe gave this response on 4/14/2000:

There is no sure fire way, but there are some things that could help. First, make sure they are with friends and not alone. Predators of children are less likely to attempt to snatch a child who is with someone, versus a child who is alone. For younger children, never let them go without a supervising adult, who will keep them with them at all times. I once worked in a mall, and it amazed me the number of parents who simply let their younger children roam unattended. These children are the prime candidates for abduction. Also, designate a specific pick-up point, and have the child call home, etc, to check in periodically, with updates as to where they've been or where in the mall they may be headed next, as well as where they plan to spend the remainder of their time, i.e, the arcade etc. Make sure they understand that they are to stay with atleast one other person in their group of friends at all times. In other words, tell them they are not to go off to the bathroom alone, or to another store, and tell their friends that they will catch up with them. The idea is to keep them from being alone at all times. It only takes a moment for a child to be abducted. It is also a good idea to teach them some effective means of drawing attention to themselves should they be approached/attempted to be abducted, i.e, yelling fire and making a very loud scene. Child predators do not want attention drawn them and their child snatching attempts. They should also be alert at all times for individuals acting suspiciously, i.e' following them, etc, and should immediately report such behavior to mall security, then call home to have someone come pick them up. Also, you should always know which friends your child is supposed to be with, that gives you a starting point if your child disappears, as in, Mary was supposed to be with Betty, so maybe Betty knows what happened to Mary. Often times older children will claim they are going to the mall, but as soon as Mom and Dad are out of sight, they jump into a car with older friends to go cruising around. Specify that they are not leave under any circumstances till you come and get them. I hope this helps. Good Luck!

The average rating for this answer is 5.

Soklar rated this answer a 5.