What Is Kidnapping?

Ages 3-5 Simple Explanation

You know how you always stay with your mom, dad, or another grown-up who takes care of you when you are out? Kidnapping is when someone takes a kid away from their family without permission. It is against the rules — actually, it is against the law — and it is something that almost never happens to kids.

The reason grown-ups talk to you about this is not to make you scared. It is so you know some important safety rules. The biggest rule is: never go anywhere with someone your parents have not said is okay. Even if the person seems really nice or says something like "your mom sent me," you do not go with them unless your parent told you first.

If anyone ever tries to grab you or pull you somewhere, you can yell as loud as you can — shout things like "Help! This is not my parent!" You can also kick, scream, and try to get away. It is okay to be loud and fight back in a situation like that. Nobody will be upset with you for it.

Remember, you are safe almost all of the time. Your family, your teachers, and lots of other grown-ups are always looking out for you. If you ever feel worried, you can always talk to your mom, dad, or another person you trust. They will listen and help you feel better.

Ages 6-8 More Detail

Kidnapping is when someone takes a person away without their permission or their family's permission. It is a crime, which means it is against the law, and the person who does it can go to jail. It is one of those topics that can sound really scary, but understanding it actually helps you stay safe.

The most important thing to know is that kidnapping — especially the kind where a stranger grabs a child — is extremely rare. Out of all the millions of kids in the country, very few ever experience this. The stories you might hear about on the news get a lot of attention because they are so rare and upsetting, but they do not reflect what happens to most kids most of the time.

There are simple safety rules that help a lot. Always let a parent or trusted adult know where you are going. Never go anywhere with someone your parents have not approved. If someone you do not know tries to get you to come with them — even if they have a nice reason like "help me find my lost dog" — say no and go find a grown-up you trust.

You should also know about the family code word trick. Some families pick a secret word that only family members know. If someone claims your parent sent them to pick you up, you ask for the code word. If they do not know it, you walk away and find help. It is a simple but really effective system.

If you ever find yourself in a scary situation where someone is trying to take you, make as much noise as possible. Scream, yell "Help! I do not know this person!" and try to get the attention of other people nearby. Run toward a crowded area, a store, or any place where there are other adults. Fighting back and being loud are exactly the right things to do.

The goal of learning about kidnapping is not to make you afraid of the world. It is to give you tools you can use. When you know the rules and have a plan, you are much safer — and you can go about your life without constantly worrying about it.

Ages 9-12 Full Explanation

Kidnapping is the crime of taking someone away against their will or without the permission of their family. In movies and on the news, kidnapping is often shown as a stranger snatching a child off the street, but in reality, most kidnapping cases involve someone the child already knows — like a family member in a custody dispute. Stranger kidnappings, while terrifying to think about, are very rare.

According to safety organizations, about 99% of missing children in the United States are found and returned safely. The cases that make national headlines are the extreme ones, and the news tends to cover them heavily, which can make it seem more common than it actually is. Understanding the real numbers can help you take the topic seriously without letting it take over your thoughts.

Even though the risk is low, knowing how to protect yourself is smart. The most basic rules still apply: always tell a parent where you are going, never leave with someone your parents have not approved, and be careful about sharing personal information online — your full name, address, school, or daily routine. People online are not always who they say they are, and sharing too much can make you easier to find.

If you are ever in a situation where someone is trying to force you to go with them, fight back hard and be as loud as possible. Yell specific things like "Help! I do not know this person!" because bystanders are more likely to step in when they understand what is happening. Run toward a public place with other people. Drop your backpack or belongings if you need to — stuff can be replaced, you cannot.

One trick that people who target kids sometimes use is creating a sense of urgency — saying things like "Your mom is in the hospital, I need to take you there right now" or "Come quick, there is no time to check with your parents." A real emergency would involve people you know and trust coming to get you, or your school would be told officially. Do not let anyone rush you past your safety rules.

Talk with your family about a plan. Know your parents' phone numbers by heart. Agree on a code word for pickups. Make sure your parents know your daily routine and friend group. These are not signs that the world is dangerous — they are signs that you are smart and prepared. Just like wearing a seatbelt does not mean you expect a crash, having a safety plan does not mean you expect trouble. It just means you are ready if it ever comes.