Advice from NMEC of what to do if find a lost child

What should I do if I see a child on their own who appears lost?

The safety advice covered on our website advises that children to look for a low risk adult if they become separated from their parent or guardian and need assistance. These individuals are identified as a uniformed police officers or security officers, a shop sales person wearing a name tag or a mother with children.


Here are some useful tips if you see a child who appears lost :

1. Don’t be afraid to get involved.

2. Comfort the child but do not physically touch the child.

3. If the child is able to speak, ask if they’re lost or where their mother or father is.

4. Do not request too much personal information, since children are taught not to give out this information to people they don’t know.

5. If you have a mobile phone, contact police to report the incident by calling 999 in the UK or by dialling 112 in any European country. The emergency phone number in the USA is 911.

6. Try to find someone nearby in a position of authority who can assist.

7. Do not take the child far from the immediate location.

8. Do not put the child in your car and drive off seeking help.

9. Ask passers-by to assist.

10. Wait with the child until help arrives.