Trafficking. It sounds like something that happens far away – in small towns or unfamiliar places. Something that doesn’t happen in our everyday lives.
But the truth is far more unsettling.
Human trafficking exists in our cities, in our neighbourhoods, and sometimes, uncomfortably close to home. In recent times, we’ve been hearing more about attempted child kidnappings and as a mother to a 5-year-old daughter, these reports have made me anxious and have made me question – Am I doing enough to keep my child safe?
How do I prepare her for the world without making her afraid of it?
How do I teach caution without taking away her sense of joy and freedom?
There may not be a perfect answer, but there are steps we can take as parents to gently equip our children with awareness and confidence.
Create a Safe Space for Communication
The foundation of everything begins here.
Children should feel safe enough to tell us anything – without fear of being scolded, dismissed, or ignored.
When children trust us, they open up and when they open up, we have enough information to protect them better.
Teach Them About “Safe” and “Unsafe” Adults
Instead of saying “trust adults,” help them understand that not all adults are automatically safe
Give them clarity:
- Who they can trust (parents, close family)
- What to do if a stranger approaches them
Have a Family Code Word
Create a secret code word that only immediate family knows. Also, make sure the child knows different scenarios is which and how these code words can be used.
Teach Them to Say “No”
Children should know that it’s okay to say no – even to adults. Whether it’s refusing to go somewhere, rejecting physical contact, or speaking up when uncomfortable.
Respect Their Personal Boundaries
When we teach children that their body belongs to them, we empower them.
Simple lessons like:
- “You don’t have to hug anyone if you don’t want to”
- “It’s okay to say you’re uncomfortable”
These build confidence and strong instincts over time.
Encourage Them to Shout and Seek Help
In situations of danger, silence is not safety.
Teach them to:
- Shout loudly
- Call for help
- Draw attention
A child who knows how to react is far less vulnerable to predators.
As much as we prepare our children, we should always remember that our role, is crucial.
We, as parents or caregivers, need to be present & alert and shouldn’t leave children unattended.
It’s also very important that we keep the conversation open and revisit such conversations – keeping it age appropriate & to build awareness.
The most important tool that we give our children is their ability to trust themselves and to trust us. They need to know that they can always reach out to us or come back to us, not through fear but through trust and communication.
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