In brick-and-mortar stores and online shops, the biggest sales are currently underway. Many parents and students are now stocking up on essential stationery and gadgets required by teachers for the upcoming school year. One of the most important items, of course, is the backpack. Some children have specific preferences and won’t rest until they find exactly the one they've been dreaming about all summer.
A criminologist warns against buying such a backpack for your child to take to school!
What do children, especially in the younger grades, focus on when choosing a backpack? Based on many conversations with parents, it's the shape of the backpack, its color, theme, the number of pockets, and any additional gadgets. Stores compete by offering a wide variety of models, and some even allow for personal customization. Many see this as a great way to stand out.
However, American criminologist and psychologist Dannah Eve has a completely different opinion and warns parents to never agree to buy a backpack personalized with details like a child’s name or surname.
This knowledge could impact the safety of many children around the world
Eve aims to raise awareness among parents and thereby increase children's safety on roads and streets. Backpacks that have children’s names and surnames stitched onto them, although they may seem cute, pose a serious risk. "If your child is school-aged and walks to or from school alone, a backpack or clothing with their name on it could put their safety at risk," she explained.
The psychologist and criminologist further explains that personalized items used by young children can attract unwanted attention. Strangers who start addressing children by their names can quickly gain their trust. "Giving strangers access to your child's name is something you should never do," warns Eve. Many parents are unaware of these risks. This is evident from the comments of adults who heard her advice:
I was thinking about getting my two children backpacks with their names on them. Especially for my daughter. But you are absolutely right, I won’t buy them
I hadn’t realized this until now. Thank you for spreading this information
This is so simple, yet many of us don’t think of such things as a threat. I will never give in to buying personalized gadgets
