Social workers can teach parents how to keep children safe

According to the most recent data from the U.S. Department of Justice, there are about 58,000 non-family child abductions annually. In order to prevent these incidents from occurring, social workers can speak with parents about the ways in which they can keep their children safe.

William McDonald, a Michigan-based licensed social worker, recently told Fenton's Patch website that parents should first give their children the basic facts about abductions. During this process, adults should make sure that they do not show their kids that they are anxious or worried but simply state that it is something to be aware of.

"Only then will most kids even consider listening," McDonald told the news source. "And remember, they hear, whether or not they let us know."

The social worker also said that adults can practice scenarios with their children to ensure that they know how to react if a stranger approaches them. During this time, kids should be allowed to talk openly about the issue and parents should remain calm. Not permitting children to discuss the issue will only make them more nervous about the subject, he said.

POSTED BY: ec_admin - July 7th, 2011 at 03:53pm ( 0 )