Over the years I have occasionally addressed the issue of making sure you don't inadvertently do something to put your kids in harm's way by plastering their name all over their back, jacket, bookbag, beach towel, and so on. I always get a lot of positive feedback and comments from parents on the matter, so this week I'm going to add to that suggestion by using the “kid code” method to keep your children safe from people who may look and sound harmless in-person and online...but aren’t.
The “kid code” method is easy and effective, which is exactly what you’re looking for. A “kid code” is a word or phrase that only you and your children know. It needs to be something so random and unique that no one would ever think of it on their own--especially a “bad guy.” This means your kid code should NOT be an address, birth date, family member, pet's name, favorite food, color, or anything like that. Oh, and one more thing…your children need to be responsible enough to make sure they don’t tell anyone. Not even their BFF. Not even their teacher. Not even their coach. No one. Kid codes are between you and your kids (and grandparents if they are involved in their day to day lives.) In fact, it might be a good idea to not even share kid codes among siblings.
We used kid codes at my house. But I'm not going to tell you what my children's kid codes were because well, then it wouldn't be safe anymore. Yes, I know they're grown, but hey, we promised we wouldn’t tell anyone, and a promise is a promise. But what I will do is give you some suggestions for things/topics you can choose from to make it easy for your children to remember, yet difficult for anyone else to guess. Are you ready?
• A scripture reference from the Bible (example: Exodus 14:14)
• A unique name from the Bible (example: Zipporah)
• A strange animal you've seen pictures of (example: Blob fish)
• A product name that no longer exists (example: pudding pops)
• A character from "One Fish, Two Fish..." (example: a Zans for cans)
Remember though, kid codes are between you and your kids. Period. That way, if someone approaches them in person or online and tries to coerce them into going somewhere, sharing a picture of themselves, telling them where they live, or whatever (God forbid!) your child needs to say, "What's my kid code?" If the person knows (they get one and only one opportunity to get it right without asking for a hint or even asking what a “kid code” is,) then fine. But if not, your child needs to know they need to run away as fast as they can to someone who is safe or get out of a website IMMEDIATELY. But, when they do, they need to run straight to you and tell you what has happened. Why? Because kid codes are meant to be both a safety feature and a means of alerting authorities to possible dangers.
Kid codes are an easy and smart way to help your children—even your college-age kids—know who is and isn't safe, so start thinking and give your children their kid code today!
