Written by Jane Park-Dolan

We’ve all seen them.  The funny stickers on the back windows of cars advertising the family member’s names and likenesses, sometimes even the family dog.  Child safety experts agree, however, that this innocent display of family pride can put precious information in the hands of child predators.  Let’s say you drop your kids off at the park and a predator sees your child exit your car and gets a look at the sticker.  This predator may then approach your child and present himself as a trusted family friend, “Hello Mary.  Your mom, Linda said you’d be here today.  How is Fluffy?”  Chilling, right?

The same goes for backpacks, jackets and sweaters, jewelry and anything else that might be monogrammed or labeled on the outside.  If you elect to dress your child in clothing with his or her name visible from the outside, you are taking an unnecessary risk.  Name recognition is very powerful.  If someone knows your name but you don’t know theirs, you immediately feel at a disadvantage.  You scramble to try to place the person and while doing so your defenses are compromised.  You’re worried about hurting their feelings by having to admit that your don’t remember them.  Children are no different.  Predators know this.

Label your child’s clothing on the inside only, on the underside of the tag is better.  Use initials or a symbol like a star or an x.  The purpose of labeling is to make sure if the item is lost, it can be returned to it’s owner and initials or a symbol known by classmates will accomplish this.  Teach your child that just because someone knows their name, doesn’t mean they are a friend.  Act out scenarios with your child showing them how people can overhear names of others or see names on cars or clothing.  Remember again to tell your child that grown-ups never ask children for help and your child should never go with an adult under any circumstance without your express permission, even if the adult knows your child’s name.