Child abduction is the unauthorised removal or retention of a minor from a parent or anyone with legal responsibility for the child. Child abduction can be committed by parents or other family members, by people known but not related to the victim (such as neighbours, friends and acquaintances) and by strangers. Other community safety incidents in the vicinity of a school can raise concerns amongst children and parents, for example, people loitering nearby or unknown adults engaging children in conversation.

As children get older and gain more independence, for example, as they start walking to school on their own, it is important they are given practical advice on how to keep themselves safe. Many schools provide outdoor-safety lessons run by teachers or by local police staff. It is important that lessons focus on building children’s confidence and abilities rather than simply warning them about all strangers.

Where schools and settings are concerned about a specific incident, advice should be sought from the police and/or children social care when sharing information with the wider school/setting community.  More general information is available at www.actionagainstabduction.org and www.clevernevergoes.org.