‘Every community’s concern’: Officials urge new safety approach on National Missing Children’s Day

A Greater Sudbury police officer talks with a father and son about child safety in this undated police image. (Greater Sudbury Police Service/Facebook)

On National Missing Children’s Day, police and child advocates are calling for a shift away from the traditional ‘stranger danger’ message, urging parents instead to focus on permission and supervision.

The day is marked to remember and reflect upon children who have gone missing, with the Canadian Centre for Child Protection noting that tens of thousands of children go missing every year in Canada. May 25 is intended to honour every child who has gone missing over the decades.

“This is something that is every community’s concern. Everybody should be, you know, aware of the situations that are happening and keep their eyes and ears open,” said Camillia Layne, a manager with the Canadian Centre for Child Protection, speaking with CTV News on Monday.

“Spread awareness and also just to take some time to also reflect on families who are navigating impossibly devastating circumstances as they are looking for their children.”

Layne said missing children is a national issue that is not specific to one population. The Ontario Provincial Police shared that 48 per cent of missing persons in Canada in 2025 were children.

Police say ‘stranger danger’ outdated

In a social media post, the Greater Sudbury Police Service argued the concept of a ‘stranger’ is difficult for children to understand. The service said that in certain situations, children may need to approach someone they don’t know for help – adding that children are more likely to be abducted by someone they know or have come in contact with.

Rather than focusing on stranger danger, Sudbury police said it is far more effective to teach children not to go anywhere with anyone without first getting permission from their parent or guardian.

“This shifts the responsibility where it belongs: on adults to supervise and set boundaries, rather than expecting children to judge someone’s intentions,” polie wrote.

Key safety habits for parents and caregivers

Sudbury police also provided a list of several safety habits for parents and caregivers, including:

• Online safety - talk openly about digital risks and stay aware of their online interactions.
• Luring tactics - teach kids how tricks like “lost pets” or “help with a game” work.
• What if scenarios - practice responses together so kids build confidence.
• Buddy system - encourage kids to stay with a friend when out and about.
• Know their plans - where they are, who they’re with, and when they’ll be home.
• Teach them to say no - even to adults, even if it feels uncomfortable.

The police service also emphasized that people never need to wait 24 or 48 hours to report someone missing.

“If you’re worried about a person’s safety or well being, report it immediately,” police said.

“Early reporting gives police the best chance to act quickly and effectively.”

Check database

Layne encouraged community members to check the database to see if they can provide any information to help in searches.

“I tend to think of it as different people within the community may have a small piece of the puzzle and a puzzle,” she said.

More information and resources are available online at missingkids.ca.

With files from CTVNorthernOntario.ca journalist Madison Marier

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