# Keep children with you at all times while shopping.
# Accompany and supervise children in public facilities, including restrooms.
# Have a plan in case you become separated, including a pre-designated spot to meet.
# Teach children to look for people who can help, such as a uniformed security officer, salesperson or mother with children.
# Remind children to remain in the area where they become separated.
# Turn shopping trips into opportunities to practice safe shopping skills

* Require children to stay with you at all times while shopping.

* Accompany and supervise children in public facilities, including restrooms.

* Have a plan in place in case you become separated, including a pre-designated spot to meet.

* Teach children to look for people who can help, such as a uniformed security officer, salesperson or mother with children.

* Remind children to remain in the area where they become separated.

* Turn shopping trips into opportunities to practice safe shopping skills.

Hi

Shopping with children during the holidays can present possibly dangerous situations. Simple prevention actions can assist in keeping children safe during the season.

* If possible, leave small children at home with a trusted babysitter.
* Teach children to go to a store clerk and ask for help if the child becomes separated from the caretaker.
* Teach children to stay close to their caretaker at all times while shopping.
* Never allow a child to make an unaccompanied trip to the restroom.
* A child should never be allowed to go to the car alone and should never be left alone in the car.
* Teach children their full name, address and telephone number to give to police officers or mall security.
* Teach children to take note immediately if a stranger is bothering them.


Thanks

The NCMEC urges parents to talk with children about safety before heading out to a busy shopping mall or boarding a plane, train, or bus this holiday season. Crowds are greater this time of year, the agency warns, and children may easily become separated from their parents, causing confusion and fear. If that should happen, parents need a plan and children should know what to do.
* Keep children with you at all times while shopping.
* Accompany and supervise children in public facilities, including restrooms.
* Have a plan in case you become separated, including a pre-designated spot to meet.
* Teach children to look for people who can help, such as a uniformed security officer, salesperson or mother with children.
* Remind children to remain in the area where they become separated.
* Turn shopping trips into opportunities to practice safe shopping skills.