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Protecting children of utmost importance

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Our Viewpoint

As a society, nothing should be more important to us than our children. Our children are our future. They are our family, and not only part of our individual families, but also a part of the family of man, and as such, they deserve our love and our protection. Even more, because of their youth, naiveté and physical stature, they need our protection.

No one would argue these facts. Most people feel this instinctively, and as a result, a threat to a child or a violent act against a child will bring about a stronger response from a community than probably any other situation.

And that is as it should be.

Children depend on us as adults, as parents and as fellow citizens, to make sure they are safe from harm, to provide a safe haven at all times.

But unfortunately, in the modern world this is becoming more and more difficult. That’s why a recent rash of suspicious activity, and even an attempted child abduction, has the community up in arms. It’s hard to believe this type of thing can happen in a comparatively small, rural community such as ours. But we’ve already discovered these predators are coming into our homes via the Internet, so perhaps it shouldn’t be too surprising they are moving in physically as well.

We must take steps to protect our children. And in this case, information is protection. As unpleasant as it is to be required to tell our children these dangers exist in order to protect them, we must do so. We would all love for our innocent children to remain innocent, to believe the world is basically a good and safe place, particularly because, for the most part, it is.

But as we all know, there is evil in the world and for their own protection, our children must be made aware of how this element of our society works. How to recognize it and how to avoid falling prey.

The sad truth is that over 800,000 children are reported missing in the United States each year. But fortunately, there are some simple precautions we can take to help safeguard our children.

Here are some things you can tell your child that will help them stay safe in situations like those that have cropped up in our community lately.

Tell them they should:

  • never get into anyone’s car without permission
  • never take candy or other gifts from strangers or anyone else without asking a parent first
  • never play in deserted buildings or isolated areas
  • scream and scatter books and belongings if they are forced towards a building or car
  • move away from a car that pulls up beside them if they do not know the driver
  • know that it’s all right to say “no” to an adult if the person wants them to do something you’ve taught them is wrong
  • avoid shortcuts through empty parks, fields, yards or alleys
  • run home or go to the nearest public place and yell for help if they are being followed
  • learn to recognize suspicious behavior and remember a description of the person or vehicle to give you or the police

    And parents themselves should:
  • avoid clothing and toys with your child’s name on it. A child is less likely to fear someone who knows his/her name
  • always accompany your child on door-to-door activities, i.e. Halloween, school fund raising campaigns, etc
  • point out safe houses where children can go if they are in trouble
  • teach them that the police are their friends and that they can rely on them if they are in trouble

    All of these tips will go a long way to preventing the unthinkable, the abduction, injury or loss of a child. As unpleasant as it may be to do so, go over them with your child, because the result of not doing so could be infinitely more unpleasant.
    • Posted in News

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