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A missing child: how to prepare your child and yourself before it happens

If your child gets lost: a practical guide

⏱ 3 min read

What to teach, photo, meeting point. A guide based on official advice. The same text is in the free SurvivalZone.app and works without internet.

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A child can disappear from view in seconds: in a shop, on a beach, at a concert. Most are found quickly, but the first minutes are very stressful, and terrifying for a small child.

A few conversations and agreements mean that both you and your child will know what to do.

What to teach your child

  1. Their full name and a parent's phone number.
  2. That if they get lost, they stop and stay where they are.
  3. Who to go to: a police officer, a security guard, a cashier or a mother with children.
  4. That they never leave with a stranger, even if the person says they know their parents.

Before going into a crowd

  1. Take a photo of your child that day, so everyone knows what they are wearing.
  2. Dress them in something bright that is easy to spot.
  3. Write your phone number on a wristband or a note in their pocket.
  4. Agree a meeting point, such as the entrance or the information desk.

On your phone

  1. Keep a recent photo of your child, their height and important health information. The police will ask about their appearance, clothes and where they were last seen. The faster you give these details, the faster the search starts.

If your child disappears

  1. Alert the staff straight away and call 112. Do not wait for them to come back on their own. Many places, such as shopping centres, have procedures for this.

Checklist

  1. Child knows their name and a parent's number
  2. Child knows: stop and stay
  3. Child knows who to go to
  4. A photo of your child from today
  5. Number on a wristband or in a pocket
  6. A meeting point agreed
  7. Child's health information on your phone

See also

Frequently asked questions

What should I teach my child in case they get lost?

Their name, a parent's phone number, to stay where they are and to go to a police officer, security guard or cashier.

When should I report a missing child?

Immediately. There is no waiting period. Alert staff and call 112.

How do I prepare a child for a festival or concert?

Take a photo of them that day, dress them brightly, write your number on a wristband and agree a meeting point.

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Sources

Official sources are checked automatically every day. Last check: 2026-11-04.

General guidance only; it does not replace the emergency services. If a life is in danger, call 112.