According to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) 36% of attempted abductions occur when a child is going to or from school or a school-related activity. 

There are still many communities across America where children are leaving their houses by themselves and walking home because the neighborhoods are deemed “safe.”  NCMEC says children may not “look before they leap,” which is why they put out a safety tip publication.  The publication is a source of safety tips for parents.

These tips came directly from NCMEC’s website:

1. Instruct your children to always TAKE A FRIEND, always stay in well-lit areas, never take shortcuts, and never go into isolated areas. Teach them to stay aware of their surroundings and observe all traffic rules in place to more safely share the roads and sidewalks with others. 

2. WALK THE ROUTE to and from school with your children pointing out landmarks and safe places to go if they’re being followed or need help. Make the walk to and from school a “teachable moment” and chance to put their skills to the test. Make a map with your children showing acceptable routes to and from school. If your children wait for a bus, wait with them or make arrangements for supervision at the bus stop.