If you are a parent, you always want to know that your child is okay and safe, however, when it comes to real threats, sometimes even the most caring or strict measures cannot guarantee protection. Every missing, every case where a child is in danger is a tragedy that shocks society. That is why our main priority today is to draw important lessons from the stories below and avoid similar situations with our kids in the future.
Today, let’s talk about what is really important to teach children (not basic numeracy or writing) and discuss the real tough lessons that life teaches. All this so that you know how best to prepare and what steps to take to protect your children: teaching your child not to go with strangers, what to do if your child gets lost, and how technology that allows you to track by phone number can be useful to provide additional security.
Step 1: Teach Your Child Not to Go with Strangers
Real-life case: The abduction of Pavel Matrosov and Valentina Korik (2007)
In 2007, two 10-year-old children, Pavel and Valentina, were kidnapped in Velikiye Luki, Russia. A man posing as a film director lured them with the promise of starring in a movie about space exploration. Believing him, the children went along and were never seen again and their whereabouts are still unknown.
This heartbreaking case shows the main rule of thumb: they cannot trust strangers, even if the situation seems harmless or exciting. Kidnappings like this happen because children often don’t think about or realize that they are in danger. In this case, the man presented himself as an authority figure, so children instinctively trusted him.
How to prevent the same one more time:
- Teach your child never to go with strangers, no matter how trustworthy they seem. This rule should apply both to unknown adults and people they may have seen before but do not know personally.
- Establish a code word that only trusted family members know (can be a lifesaver if someone tries to take your child under false pretenses). If an adult comes to pick up your child and doesn’t know the code word, the child should immediately refuse to go with them and start screaming.
Tip: Regularly rehearse safety rules with your child. Consider role-playing different scenarios, e.g., what to do if someone contacts them offering candy or asking for help.
Step 2: Explain Your Child What to Do if They Get Lost
Real-life case: The missing of children in Tyumen (2000s)
In the early 2000s, several children between the ages of 2 and 14 disappeared in Tyumen, Russia. These missing children were linked to a man known as the “Tyumen Maniac”. In some cases, children were kidnapped while walking home or playing in the street. Until now the identity of the kidnapper remains unclear and the true number of victims unknown, but these tragic events show the children’s vulnerability in everyday situations.
This incident highlights that our homework for now is to explain to our children how they should behave if they suddenly become lost. In busy public places like shopping malls or train stations, children can easily get lost, and when they realize they are alone, panic can set in. Teach your child the basics of staying calm and asking for help.
What actually should you explain? Well, firstly, teach your child to stay in one place if they get lost, as staying put makes it easier for parents or authorities to find them quickly. Then always remember to agree on a “meeting point” in advance in crowded places,e.g., the front of a store or a specific landmark, where you can meet if you get separated (can be especially important in places like amusement parks, shopping centers, or during travel).
Tip: If your child is old enough to use a smartphone, consider installing a location-tracking app. With this, you can quickly find them if they get lost in a public space. For example, Number Tracker will easily allow you to stay in touch so you can track each other at any time if you get lost. And for more convenience, the user- friendly interface and route sharing function is there for your convenience.
Interesting fact: Studies show that most children who get lost in large shopping malls or train stations are found within minutes if they follow simple safety rules, such as staying where they are and waiting for a parent or authority figure.
Step 3: Monitor Your Child’s Online Contacts
Real-life case: The “Blue Whale” game (2016)
In 2016, a disturbing trend emerged in Russia and other countries as teenagers fell victim to the game “Blue Whale.” This dangerous online game challenged participants to self-harm and led to a series of suicides among young people who were drawn into its soul-chilling experiences. The game manipulated vulnerable teens (also using some psychological techniques) to control their actions and took several lives before authorities cracked down.
What makes this case particularly disturbing is that the internet can serve as a gateway to dark, dangerous communities that prey on vulnerable people. Young people seeking to fit in or find validation can be lured into situations where their emotional and physical safety is jeopardized.
How to prevent:
- Talk to your child about the dangers of online games and sites, especially ones that encourage risky behavior. In the internet children can bump into both educational and harmful information, so they must know how to choose the right one and avoid the risks.
- Install parental controls apps or services on your child’s devices to see their online activities and be able to save them from harmful content and harmful interactions.
Tip: Initiate an open dialog with your child about their online activities and regularly ask them about the games they play, who they talk to and what they see online, Due to this you will stay informed and intervene if necessary.
Step 4: Warn Your Child About the Risks of Helping Strangers
Real-life case: The kidnapping of two girls by the mother of a serial killer, Vera Spesivtseva
In the 1990s, Vera Spesivtseva, the mother of a notorious Russian serial killer, kidnapped two teenage girls. She asked the girls with a seemingly innocuous request: to help her carry her bags home. Trusting her, the girls agreed, which finaly led to dire consequences: both girls were kidnapped and killed. This case is a stark reminder that danger can come from the most unexpected sources, for example, even from people who appear to be ordinary or helpful ones.
This case is based on pure manipulation: the girls were walked up to, not by a random stranger on the street, but by a person who looked like a regular neighborhood resident. It is easy for children to make mistakes in situations like this, because they often trust people based on their appearance or behavior.
So, what to teach your child to avoid the same end? First of all, they should know the rule: never help strangers, especially without the presence of an adult. Even if someone appears harmless or friendly, it is crucial for children to understand that they should always err on the side of caution (only another adult can help adults). Then discuss refusing help from strangers in situations where it’s just the child and the unfamiliar person. Reinforce that it’s okay to say “no” and walk away. Tip: Have regular discussions with your child about the boundaries and some risks of talking to or helping strangers, and encourage them to be aware of their surroundings at all times.
Safety Is not an Accident
Childhood should be a time of joy, not fear but reality demands vigilance and lessons learned from other people’s mistakes help us build a world where children can feel safe. Conversations, rules, and technology are not restrictions on freedom, but a solid foundation of safety. So, let every child know that their safety is an adult priority, and that knowledge and caution are their own best friends.