As many parents and caregivers search for new and innovative ways to keep children safe, a plethora of products continue to flood the market. With so many choices, it may often seem difficult to judge which products are appropriate for your specific needs.

Regardless of the questionable sales techniques some companies may engage in, there is no guarantee that any child safety product will keep a child safe from any and all forms of harm.

Child Safety Products cannot replace open dialogue with a child.  Personal safety is a learned strategy rooted in education, repetition, continuity and positive reinforcement.

While AMECO members applaud any and all efforts taken by parents and caregivers with regard to the safety of children, there is a distinct difference between safety education and its associated program components, and an advertised safety product. Many AMECO member organizations offer educational programs and services to the public free of charge. AMECO does not endorse any one particular safety product.

Recognizing that parents and caregivers may make the individual decision to purchase or use a safety product on their own, we wish to offer the following suggestions and guidelines in determining whether or not to utilize any particular product:

• Before purchasing any product, thoroughly investigate the validity of its claims as well as the company selling it. (This may include checking with your local Better Business Bureau)
• Investigate the strengths and weakness of the product i.e.: if a GPS, what is the range? What are the limitations?  As with all consumer purchases, Buyer Beware is a prudent mind set when completing your due diligence. 
• Be wary of companies that use a system of fear to sell their product
• Seek the advice of an acknowledged safety expert before any purchase. Contact any AMECO member organization for further information they may have on a particular item and its usefulness. The following examples are questions that could be poised to a member organization:  Has the agency had other calls regarding this product? Complaints? Concerns?
• Do not give out any personal information, including information on your child, banking or credit card information without confirming how and where this information will be used; how will it be stored, who may access it; who will secure it; and how to have it removed.
• Do not sign any contract or agreement without a complete understanding of all of the particulars of it including the length of term, automatic renewal, penalties, and ability to cancel.
• Before purchasing anything new, take advantage of the tools you already have at your disposal: digital camera, cell phones and free I.D. kits from AMECO member organizations.

Remember: a safety product is a tangible item. Safety education is information from a recognized and reputable source. Safety education is part of the service provided by AMECO member organizations as well as local, state and federal law enforcement agencies.

Education is about information. Information leads to knowledge and knowledge is power. Keeping children safe is all about empowering parents, caregivers and children themselves to make correct choices based on informed decisions.

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 AMECO thanks its members for their expert contribution to this recommendation.

The Association of Missing and Exploited Children's Organizations (AMECO) is an international association of nonprofit organizations that provides services to families with missing and exploited children and law enforcement agencies. AMECO nurtures credible, ethical and effective nonprofit organizations that serve missing and exploited children and their families, and provides a unified voice on issues related to missing and exploited children and their families.

The development of this publication was supported by Grants No. 2008-MC-CX-K014 and  2009-MC-CX-K035 awarded to AMECO by the Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention, Office of Justice Programs, U.S. Department of Justice. Points of view or opinions in this document are those of the author and do not necessarily represent the official position or policies of the U.S. Department of Justice.