How can my child prevent his own abduction?
Well, we have to understand that we can't put the burden of child safety on the shoulders of children. You see so many cases--my daughter's case is a very good example--where she was breaking no rules whatsoever. She was in her bedroom with two of her girlfriends on a Friday night. So there was really nothing that she could've done in that circumstance. But we can give children certain lessons and give them good advice so that they can avoid situations that will create a victimization. I think the first thing we have to do is we have to get rid of that absurd concept of "stranger-danger". Because we know it's never really been about strangers. So what we have to do then is substitute some good rules and I believe that there are five simple rules that we can impart upon kids so that they can go a long way towards making good choices and avoiding victimization. The first one would be always to check with parents first. The second one would be always to be outside with at least one other person. Thirdly, they should trust their feelings: if something feels wrong, it probably is wrong. Then they should put physical distance between themselves and whatever is making them feel bad. And then they should understand that strangers will help them out of a difficult situation for the most part. They can go to any woman or a mom with kids, or kids. Or an emergency service person such as a police officer or firefighter in uniform. Or a clerk or a security guard in a retail kind of situation. Or even the vast majority of men. And those people will help children out of difficult situations. I think finally--and I think that this is sort of timely for the 21st century-- that kids over ten-years old should probably have their own cell phones. Because that then creates that 24/7 bond or leash that parents always want.
