There are so many things to factor into the equation when a child goes missing. Age, circumstances, even time of day can determine the urgency. A very young child, one who is missing for the first time, or who vanishes in a suspicious event deserves all available resources until located. A child who runs every week and will just run again when returned to their home maybe not so much.
As an individual involved with software to help parents and guardians be better prepared to protect their children while online, I'm afraid that experience continues to show that generally, the press are more interested in the "real" story, often involving near or devasting tragedy. Solutions do not sell soap powder -- it's not sensational or ratings driven. An unfortunate state of affairs. In fact, a producer at "Dateline", although not using those exact words, indicated just that. So sad.
There are so many things to factor into the equation when a child goes missing. Age, circumstances, even time of day can determine the urgency. A very young child, one who is missing for the first time, or who vanishes in a suspicious event deserves all available resources until located. A child who runs every week and will just run again when returned to their home maybe not so much.
ReplyDeleteI agree. This child was 4. We owe our kids that urgency, regardless of what adult feelings make get trodden on.
ReplyDeleteToo many 'if onlys' in the press over murdered and missing children.
As an individual involved with software to help parents and guardians be better prepared to protect their children while online, I'm afraid that experience continues to show that generally, the press are more interested in the "real" story, often involving near or devasting tragedy. Solutions do not sell soap powder -- it's not sensational or ratings driven. An unfortunate state of affairs. In fact, a producer at "Dateline", although not using those exact words, indicated just that.
ReplyDeleteSo sad.