September 1st is here and back to school is near! Dear John, Routine bus stops, children biking or walking to school, and after-school pick-ups by parents are back all over America as we embark on another year of learning.
While we are all excited for the year ahead, it is important to keep in mind one of the most important statistics we at the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children (NCMEC) know all too well—that attempted abductions occur more often when a child is going to or from school or school-related activities.
School-age children are at greatest risk on school days before and after school (7-9 a.m. and 3-4 p.m.) and after dinner time (6-7 p.m.).
Our data also shows that there are many ways that a child or an adult can help thwart an attempted abduction, including ignoring or refusing them, using their cell phones to threaten intervention, fighting, and screaming/making noise.
Take a moment to review our non-family abductions & attempts for tips and statistics on how to keep your children as protected as possible.
We hope you and your family stay safe and healthy during the back-to-school season.
Sincerely,
Your Friends at The National Center for Missing & Exploited Children
John, your generosity arms children and families with the knowledge of how to prevent child victimization and keep kids safer. Please consider supporting NCMEC’s efforts to help prevent child victimization in all its forms by making a donation today.
P.S. Setting up a monthly donation to NCMEC is one of the most powerful ways to help protect kids. Commit to a monthly gift today and automatically become a member of our Heroes' Circle - the strongest fighters that children can depend on. | 
