A child is missing: what to do, step by step

Lost or not back home. Below: what to do right away, what next, when to call 112 and what to avoid. The same instructions are in the free SurvivalZone app and work without internet.

Open in the app (works offline)

First, right now

Call 112 straight away. You do not have to wait 24 hours. Police act at once for a child.
Quickly check nearby places: wardrobes, under beds, the basement, the car, the playground, friends' homes.
Get ready for the police: a recent photo, height, clothes, where and when the child was last seen, the child's phone number.

Then

One adult stays at home by the phone in case the child comes back or calls.
In a shop or mall, tell security at once. They can close exits and make an announcement.
Check the location of the child's phone if you share locations.
Call the school, friends' parents and coaches. Write down who you talked to.
116 000 is a free hotline for missing children that works across the European Union.
Teach your child: if you get lost, stay where you are and ask a cashier, a security guard or a parent with children for help.

When to call 112

As soon as you do not know where the child is and a quick search nearby found nothing.

What not to do

Do not wait for the child to come back alone.
Do not post your address or details a stranger could use. Agree any online appeal with the police.
Do not tidy the child's room before the police arrive. There may be important clues.

Keep it on your phone

SurvivalZone is a free app for every emergency, with no account and no app store. It works without internet and shows the nearest shelters and help points, local radio, a 72-hour plan and a mountain trip planner.

Open the SurvivalZone app

Other scenarios

Sources

Official sources are checked automatically every day. Last check: 2026-10-18.

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