PARENT AWARENESS
Do you think a child armed with knowledge can escape an abductor?
Of course! A child that has had some kind of training has a much greater chance of escape.
Should children be taught never to talk to strangers?
Never is a very strong word, and could dissuade your child from seeking help. We should teach our children not to talk to strangers, but the lesson has to be deeper than that. We have to teach them that there are good strangers as well as bad ones.

Is your child allowed to answer the telephone when they are home alone?
Children can be tricked by clever predators into revealing more information than they should. It is much wiser to teach your children to screen all phone calls using an inexpensive answering machine, or to simply ignore the telephone.

Can an abduction occur in a public place, even if the place is crowded with people?
Simply put, an abduction can occur at any time, under any circumstances. The best defense against predators is awareness and knowledge.

Have you exercised your rights under Megan's Law?
Megan's Law allows citizens to learn about sex offenders in their area. Lists of "high risk" offenders are often publicized, but almost any citizen can run a check on anyone who spends time with your children. If you haven't yet, check with your local law enforcement to find out how you can do so.

Who is responsible for teaching your child how to react when they are placed in a dangerous situation?
The only correct answer is YOU. Nobody cares for your child as much as you do. If someone else offers your child advice, fine, but that is not a substitute for proper parental guidance. If a parent is unfamiliar with the scenario's of dangerous
situation's, they should consult a outside source.

Are there any sex offenders living in your neighborhood?
If your area has a Megan's Law program, a simple phone call or visit to a website may be all it takes to answer this question.

Is your child allowed to access the Internet without adult supervision?
Most parents think that their child might be able to easily and safely navigate the Internet, but even experienced professionals find themselves in inappropriate or uncomfortable areas. It is always best to have your child access the Internet with supervision. You can find more information on keeping your children safe online here.

Do you know what the last ten Internet sites your child visited are?
While the Internet is a wonderful tool for education, as well as a great source of entertainment, you must remember that there are dangerous and inappropriate areas as well. With everything from pornography, bomb-building instructions and racism available online, a parent should be diligent when patrolling the biggest "door" in their home. You can learn how to check your computer's Internet history here.

Have you ever "snooped" in your child's belongings looking for potentially dangerous or illegal material?
Snooping in your child’s room or vehicle is not a matter of trust or distrust. It’s a matter of love and protection!
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