NATIONAL CENTER FOR MISSING AND EXPLOITED CHILDREN AND DURACELL HELP ADDRESS NEW SCHOOL SAFETY FINDINGS WITH INTRODUCTION OF CHILD SAFETY HANDBOOK

New National Research Specifies Most Targeted Demographic, Identifies After-School as Prime Abduction Attempt Timing


Bethel, CT – The National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) and Duracell are partnering for the third consecutive year through the Power of Parents child safety program to arm families with important new information about school year safety. According to new data released from NCMEC in October, most abduction attempts occur after school, between the hours of 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. Almost half of non-family abduction attempts happen when a child is walking to or from school or a related school activity. NCMEC also found that the overwhelming majority of children affected by abduction attempts are young girls (74 %) between the ages of 10 and 14 years old. As 56 million students grades K through 12 are beginning their school year, it is more important than ever for families to take the time to have important safety discussions.

To help parents guide the conversation with their children, NCMEC and Duracell have expanded their child safety resource portfolio with the addition of a new, free Child
Safety Handbook. The handbook has been developed for parents of children who are infant through high school ages. It is available on www.powerofparentsonline.com.

As children are back in school, NCMEC and Duracell encourage parents to pay attention to, and carefully become familiar with, the adults who are in their children’s lives, including tutors, coaches, day care providers, and after-school program leaders. Currently, only 58 % of parents and guardians are taking this important step.

“We know that the best line of defense in child safety is the guidance of a parent and we hope that the data we’ve released today serves as a reminder to families of the need to have conversations about safety with their children,” said Ernie Allen, president and CEO, NCMEC. “We are proud to again be partnering with our friends at Duracell to offer the new Child Safety Handbook.”

The Power of Parents Child Safety Handbook provides safety tips from the experts at NCMEC for four key child development stages: infant to toddler, ages 4-6, ages 7-11, and ages 12-17. Understanding that with these different stages of development a child’s behavior pattern changes, the handbook outlines age-appropriate tips and scenarios that parents need to be aware of, as well as some outside influences that may be impacting their child’s actions. A sampling of current technologies such as applications of GPS, wireless and Radio Frequency Identification technologies used for child safety precautions also are highlighted.

“We hope the combination of the data released today and the new Child Safety Handbook inspires families to really take a hard look at the safety issues that our children currently face and, most importantly, creates a sense of urgency to have this important talk with their kids,” said Rick June, Duracell Vice President and General Manager. “Duracell is incredibly proud to extend its relationship with NCMEC through this important safety program. We hope that together we can help make a difference in every home and schoolyard.”