Child Abductions Persuasive Speech

Child abduction or kidnapping can be a parent’s worst nightmare. As much as we try to teach our children about strangers and always being aware of their surroundings, the possibility of them being abducted/kidnapped cannot be ruled out completely. As legally defined in the state of NJ, abduction is "when someone uses deceit or force in order to take a person or a child away from their home or relatives... [the perpetrator often] knows or has some sort of relation with the abductor" (US Legal n.p.), making abductions one of the most prevalent issues that arise during separations, divorces, and custody battles amongst parents. On the other hand, “Kidnapping is taking away or forcefully transporting a person against their will and holding them
Time is a crucial element in finding missing children, especially the first three hours according to “Missing Persons Investigative Best Practices Protocol Unidentified Deceased Persons Investigative Guidelines” published by NJ State Police. A staggering "74% of abducted children who are ultimately murdered are dead within three hours of the abduction" (Bilich n.p.). Though deaths associated with all abductions not as common, this statistic can be very alarming. As such, parents should focus on educating their children on the dangers and risks of abductions and kidnappings. “In a 1998 study of parents' worries by pediatricians at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota, nearly three-quarters of parents said they feared their children might be abducted. One-third of parents said this was a frequent worry -- a degree of fear greater than that held for any other concern, including car accidents, sports injuries, or drug addiction” (Bilich n.p.). While this is a natural worry, parents should be less focused on fear and more focused on educating their children on safety tips to prevent abductions and kidnappings with both strangers and people they know. Staying proactive and alert in your child’s life can make all the difference in protecting them from harm and dangerous situations. Remember to not involve your children into your own marital or financial problems, and pay attention to their behavior in and out of school. Find out if they are talking about strangers or people you don’t know. Ask for details about who these people are, and let them know that you must know where they are at all times for their safety and that you will never get angry if they tell you the truth. Most importantly, educate your children about these dangers and remind them of your unconditional love and