Test Your Child Safety IQ
The more you know about the truths and misconceptions about child safety, the better equipped you are to help protect your own kids. Take this short quiz and test your own readiness.
*See answers below.
Question 1.
When a child is reported missing, one of the most important tools for law enforcement is a recent photo. How often should you update your child's photo?
- Every six months
- Every year and a half
- Every two to three years
Question 2.
The dangers to children are greater from someone they don't know than from someone they know.
- True
- False
Question 3.
Older children are less likely to be the victim of a crime than younger children.
- True
- False
Question 4.
The best ID photo for law enforcement is one that:
- Is a full-length photo
- Includes at least one family member for identification purposes
- Was updated in the past two to three years
- Is taken from the shoulders up, in portrait-style
Question 5.
The best safety tip that you can teach your child is to “never talk to strangers.”
- True
- False
Answers
Question 1.
Answer: a. Experts indicate that a critical element during the first few hours of a missing child investigation is for law enforcement to have a good-quality, current photo of the child. Because children grow and change so quickly, the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children recommends updating the photo every six months.
Question 2.
Answer: b (False). The biggest myth is that dangers to children come from strangers. In the majority of cases, the perpetrator is someone the parent, guardian or child knows. That person also may be in a position of trust or responsibility to the child or family.
Question 3.
Answer: b (False). Children ages 11 to 17 are at equal risk for victimization as younger children. While you are giving your older children more freedom, make sure they understand and practice important safety rules as well.
Question 4.
Answer: d. Portrait photos are the best photos for law enforcement officials. Photographs and descriptive information should be updated every six months and photographs should be taken in color, making sure to capture the child's “full face.”
Question 5.
Answer: b (False). The National Center for Missing & Exploited Children does not ascribe to the “stranger-danger” message because children do not have a clear understanding of exactly who a stranger may be. It is more beneficial to help children build the confidence and self-esteem they need to stay as safe as possible in potentially dangerous situations, rather than teaching them to be “on the lookout” for a particular type of person.