Safe holidays: How to keep kids secure during festivities

As the festive season approaches, bringing with it opportunities for celebrations, family gatherings, and holiday traditions, we must also be aware of the increased safety risks for children, particularly in crowded public spaces like shopping malls and within the home.

In 2024, over 632 children were reported missing to police nationally.

Over the past ten years, nearly 9,000 children were reported missing across the country.

In light of this information, we strongly urge all parents to take necessary precautions to ensure the safety of their children, particularly during this holiday season​.

Safety Tips for Children

- Maintain Situational Awareness: Do not walk in public spaces, such as streets or malls, with a phone visible or while wearing headphones.

Please remain alert at all times.

- Travel in Groups: Encourage children to go out in groups and ensure secure arrangements are made for drop-off and transport home.

- Avoid engaging with Strangers: Children should not engage with unknown individuals. A common tactic involves a stranger asking a child to use their phone for an emergency, then stealing the device and fleeing.

- Home Security: Security gates must be locked at home at all times, and the key should be removed immediately.

- Report Suspicious Activity: Instruct children to tell an adult immediately if they notice any suspicious vehicles or people in your street so the security company can be contacted to investigate.

In addition, parents urged to dress kids in bright clothes, use safety armbands, teach them safety rules (like meeting spots and passwords), and report missing children to the police immediately (no waiting period)

Taking these precautions will help ensure a safe and joyful holiday season for everyone.