4 Ways to Keep Kids Safe in Crowds

As summer approaches, there will be any number of opportunities where your family will be out and about in public. Now is the perfect time to talk about how to keep kids safe in crowds (at a park, lake, amusement park, fair, etc.) and make an emergency plan, especially if your child doesn’t have a phone.

1. Prepare before you go.

   If your child is young, a temporary tattoo with your name and phone number might be a good idea. Your child will have the information needed to get in touch with you if you’re separated. Explain why you’re putting the tattoo on them and when they should show it to a trusted adult.

   For older children, getting a wearable phone device like the Gabb Watch that would allow you to stay connected to your child and has tracking capabilities would make finding them quickly much more simple.

   No matter their age, go over the ground rules together. For example, let your child know they always need to be where you can see them. If they can’t see you, then you can’t see them. For older kids, if you’re okay with them venturing to get food or buy something without you, make sure they know they need to check in with you before they go and get your okay.

2. Have a plan.

   If you’re going to a busy place, decide on a meeting spot in case you get separated. Make sure everyone is clear on the location. Pick a spot your child can easily describe to someone, especially if they are younger. That way, if they can’t find it on their own, they’ll be able to tell a trusted adult where they need to go to reunite with you.

   Also, have your child look at what you’re wearing and take a picture of your child with your phone or at least note what they are wearing. Knowing what clothing the person you are looking for is wearing can help you find them quicker.

   Above all, make sure your child knows you would not leave without them and not to leave the area. Even with kids who have cell phones, make a plan. Phones get lost and batteries die. With a plan, you’ll know how to find each other if technology fails.

3. Talk about trusted adults.

   Talk with your child about people in the community they can trust and go to if they need help. Define who you would consider a trusted adult and want them to go to. Would it be another mom with children, a public servant (like a police officer), an employee of where you’re at, or someone else?

   Then talk about how they can approach one of these trusted adults and what they can say. Many children aren’t used to talking with unknown adults and may find it hard to approach one, especially if they’re already scared.

4. If you get separated, shout their description.

   If you’ve seen the viral post by Tik Tok creator jesmartini you’ll be familiar with this idea. Much like the sound of car alarms, hearing a child’s name shouted out in a crowd is something many of us have learned tune out. As Jes shares in her video, it’s much easier to gather support from the crowd if you shout out your child’s description. Can’t remember what they’re wearing? That photo you took before you left for the day really comes in handy right about now. 

5.  Trust your gut. (Bonus tip!)

   If you’ve been separated from your child and they’re not at your meeting place and local security hasn’t found them, then follow what the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children says to do for a missing child.

With preparation and communication, you can keep kids safe in crowds while your family focuses on fun!