As a parent, it is your responsibility to ensure your child’s safety. So, remember to build parental authority. If your child leaves home without permission, he is technically a runaway.Parental guidance for this behavior includes the following:
- Call the police.
- This sends the message to teenagers that it is not okay to leave home without permission.
- The police are responsible for the safety of citizenry; your child is not safe if you do not know where he is.
- Parents are responsible for what happens to their child even when he is not at home.
- Having a record of your child going missing will prevent you from being accused of neglect. - Once your child is safely home, give negative consequences for the behavior.
- Consequences can include loss of privileges, such as a cell phone, car keys, or video games.
- Give additional chores.
- Be consistent.
- Issue chores and negative consequences in a calm manner. - Communicate the dangers of running away to your children.
- Lack of food and shelter
- Bad weather
- Lack of money
- Missed school days
- Violence on the streets
- Exposure to illegal activities
The bottom line is that you are the adult and your teen is the child. As such, it is your responsibility to keep your child safe. Knowing where he is and whom he is with is necessary to keeping him safe.
