Child safety experts warn of new school gate abduction tactics

Experts are warning parents and schools about a suspected child abduction tactic circulating on social media. The alleged method involves perpetrators observing a child's name on their school bag or books to impersonate an acquaintance or authorized person during school dismissal.

Dr. Yulina Eva Riany, Head of the Center for Gender and Child Studies (PKGA) at IPB University, identifies school gates as critical zones for child protection. She recommends that schools and parents implement multi-layered security systems, including stricter pickup protocols, mandatory confirmation for changes in authorized collectors, and the establishment of designated safe zones for children waiting to be picked up.

Furthermore, experts advise parents to educate children on body safety and privacy. Children should be taught that knowing their name does not guarantee a person is authorized to collect them. Recommended training includes role-playing simulations to help children handle strangers asking for personal information, such as home addresses or parent contact details, without instilling generalized fear of all strangers.