Keeping children safe in crowds — melas, stations and markets

Fairs, festivals, railway stations and busy markets are full of joy — and full of people. It only takes a moment for a small hand to slip away. Here's how to prepare.

Before you go

• Dress them brightly. A bright cap or T-shirt makes your child easy to spot. Take a photo of them on your phone that morning, so you know exactly what they're wearing.
• Agree on a meeting point. Pick something easy to find — a big gate, a temple, or the station enquiry counter.
• Put a way to reach you on them. Young children may not remember a phone number when they're scared. A safety tag on their bag or ID card lets a helper reach you, without your number being printed for everyone to see.

Teach them three simple things

1. Stop and stay. If you can't see us, stand still. Don't go looking.
2. Ask the right person. A police officer, a shopkeeper, or a mother with children.
3. Show your tag. "Please scan this to call my family."

Practise it like a game at home. Children remember what they've rehearsed.

If your child goes missing

• Stay calm and look around the last place you saw them.
• Tell the nearest police help desk or announcement counter immediately — don't wait.
• Call 112. For a child who is lost or alone, Childline 1098 can also help.
• Show the photo you took that morning.

After you're reunited

Hug them, and don't scold. Talk later about what happened and what worked. Every experience makes the next outing safer.

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Bachpan Saathi tags are made for school bags, ID cards and water bottles. Learn more.