Report a Sighting

CyberTipline

Get Involved

AMBER Alert

Donate

Stay Informed

Parents & Guardians

Law Enforcement

Childcare Providers

Attorneys

Media

If Your Child Is Missing

Sexual Exploitation

Child Safety

Sex Offenders

Success Stories

Natural Disasters

Learn More

Tips for a Safer Holiday Season

More Child Safety Tips Know the Rules...When Your Child Is Flying Unaccompanied Rules to help make the flying experience for your child safer. Know the Rules...When Your Child Is Traveling Unaccompanied by Bus or Train Rules to help make travel by bus or train safer for your child. Holiday Safety PSA Holiday Safety PSA (MP3) Help promote child safety during the holiday shopping season.

The holidays provide a wonderful opportunity for family and friends to gather and celebrate. It is also a time of continuous activity, with errands to run and scheduled activities that demand attention and time.

NCMEC encourages parents and guardians to talk with kids about safety before attending bustling shopping malls or public celebrations. Crowds are greater this time of year and it is easy for children to become separated from their parents and guardians. If it happens, you need a plan; your children should know what to do.

And remember: child safety is a year-round priority. Parents and guardians need to look out for kids and keep communication lines open 365 days a year!

Holiday Safety Tips

1. Teach your children to stay with you at all times while shopping. They should always check first with you or the person in charge before they go anywhere. Always supervise your children in a public facility and accompany young children to the restroom.
   
   
2. Make a plan in case you become separated. Have older kids meet you in a pre-designated spot (e.g. the sales counter or mall information booth). Teach younger children to look for people who can help within the store or mall — a uniformed security officer, a salesperson with a nametag, a mother with children, etc. They should never leave the store/mall or go to the parking lot to look for you or your car.
   
   
3. Turn shopping trips into opportunities for your children to practice these “safe shopping” skills.
   
   
4. Leave clothing that displays your children’s names at home, as it can prompt unwelcome attention from people who may be looking for an opportunity to start a conversation with your children.
   
   
5. Never leave children in toy stores or public facilities (e.g. video arcades, movie theaters, playgrounds) and expect store personnel to supervise your children.
   
   
6. Have older children take a friend, if you allow them to go shopping or to public functions without you. It’s more fun and much safer. Older children should check in with you on a regular basis while they are out. Agree on a clear plan for picking them up including: where, what time, and what to do in case of a change in plans.
   
   
7. Make other arrangements for child care, if you feel that you will be distracted during holiday shopping.

Safety Tips adapted from Know the Rules…Safety Tips For the Holidays. Copyright© 1991 National Center for Missing & Exploited Children (NCMEC). All rights reserved.