Devastating, hundreds of families go through the horror of finding out their child has been taken from them every day. Kidnappers are often looking for a financial gain, personal vendetta, or are even suffering from a mental illness.
Ways to Stay Safe in Person
- Don’t wear headphones/earbuds when you’re walking around, especially at night.
- Always let someone in your contacts who you’re close with know where you are. -You can use Life360 or other family tracking apps, or even share your location through messages.
- When walking around, don’t be constantly looking down at your phone; make sure you know what’s going on around you.
- If you feel unsafe or uncomfortable, make sure to tell someone (a trusted adult) immediately.
Ways to Stay Safe Online
- Don’t give a stranger any of your personal information, such as your address, school, phone number, age, or name
- Don’t post inappropriate things on social media -this stays with you forever on your digital footprint
- Never meet up with somebody you don’t know or have met on the internet
Many of these are basic rules your parents have told you from a young age. This is because they are important but simple rules. Rules like these keep you aware of your surroundings and help you stay safe. Being distracted can make you a prime target for kidnappers because it is easier to be surprised. In large crowds, try to avoid drawing attention to yourself and the people around you. Drawing people’s attention towards yourself can make you look like you have something to offer or take.
E-Bike/Bike Safety
Lots of teens love to ride their e-bike/bike around their neighborhood with their friends. Oftentimes, teens do not wear helmets when out riding their bikes; this has become a great concern for many people, because if you fall, there is no protection for your head. It may seem silly or be seen as “uncool,” but it may save your life one day. Bike riders should be aware of their surroundings and of cars in their area. This keeps you alert to a car trying to pass you in the street or near a stop sign. When riding your bike, don’t try to look down at your phone and answer that text or snap; it will still be there when you get to your destination. It’s better to be safe than sorry. Make sure that if you’re riding on a busy road, to stay in the bike lane or sidewalk. You never want to cut in front of someone’s vehicle; this is so dangerous because the driver may not see you till the last second and end up hitting you.
Basic Safety
It is also a danger in public to be distracted because you could be crossing the street and not hear a car coming, and end up badly injured. It is all too common to see a car run a red light or a stop sign; therefore, people must be more aware when crossing the street or walking in the road to stay safe. It is essential to be aware of your surroundings in public to avoid being hit by a car or kidnapped.
