Dr Kathy Weston shares some top tips.

It might not feel like it right now, but it’s worth knowing that stranger abductions of children are extremely rare. In the UK, there are around 500–600 reports of child abduction each year, but the vast majority are attempted rather than successful, and many are later reclassified as misunderstandings, rather than genuine abductions.

According to the UK’s National Crime Agency (NCA), most reported cases involve someone known to the child (such as a family member). Stranger abductions are typically fewer than 10 per year across the UK.

That said, it’s natural as loving parents to want to do everything possible to keep our children safe. As difficult as it is, even when we've heard upsetting news, it helps to model calmness in front of our children. Depending on your child’s age, you could gently explore the facts together and help put things into context. Without knowing the specifics of this case, I can’t advise on exact wording, but local police will often issue statements or safety guidance following incidents. These can be useful to read and share with your child if appropriate. Police might also increase their presence in the area, such as more uniformed officers or PCSOs, to help reassure families.

Children respond differently to this type of news. Some may brush it off entirely, while others may feel anxious. If your child seems worried, try to invite them into the conversation about what helps them feel safe. Ask:

• “What would make you feel more comfortable walking to school or going out?”
• “Is there anything you’d like to do differently this week to feel safer?”

Perhaps they’ll suggest walking with friends or setting check-in points. These ideas, when led by them, can build confidence and a sense of agency.

You can also use this moment to revisit everyday safety basics:

• Encourage them to stay alert. Remind them that wearing headphones or looking down at phones while walking can make it harder to stay aware of surroundings.
• Talk about road safety and staying alert near busy streets and junctions.
• Reinforce that if something feels "off", they should trust their instincts.

Safe words are especially helpful tools

For younger children, set a family code word - a word only you and your child (and any trusted adult you pre-authorise) would know. You can say: “What if someone said, ‘Your mum told me to pick you up’? That wouldn’t feel right, would it? Because we have a special code word, and only someone who knows it can be trusted.” Practising this helps them feel empowered and clear on what to do in that situation.

For teens, safe words can work differently. You might agree on a discreet phrase or emoji they can text you if they’re in a situation where they feel unsafe or pressured but don’t want to alert those around them. For example, they might text, “Did I leave my charger at home?” or send a specific symbol that means,“Please call me with an excuse to leave.” It’s a small step, but it gives them an escape plan and makes help easily accessible.

Also talk to older children and teens about:

• Booking rides through official, licensed taxi or app services only.
• Sharing travel plans with friends and family.
• Letting someone know when they’re leaving an event and when they expect to arrive home.

No matter their age, having clear, practical options in their minds about what to do if they feel unsafe helps children feel more in control and less anxious. You could also role-play a few “what if?” scenarios in a non-scary way to practise how they might respond.

Finally, show them that if something ever does make them feel worried or unsafe, they can always:

• Run toward people, not away - shops, schools, open houses.
• Use their phone to call you or 999 (you may want to practise how to access emergency services quickly).
• Shout loudly and draw attention.

Even though these conversations are uncomfortable, having them calmly and confidently sends a strong message: you are prepared, you care, and you trust them to look after themselves with your support.

Your school might like to download some free lesson resources from Action Against Abduction, a UK charity which works to protect children from the threat of abduction. Their Clever Never Goes campaign teaches children how to stay safe from abduction whether they are outside or online. It’s a modern, child-friendly alternative to the out-dated and fundamentally flawed ‘stranger danger’ message. Rather than fearing the worst in everyone they don’t know, Clever Never Goes helps children to recognise specific situations that are unsafe and gives them the tools to respond.