I Am Not a Target!

According to the press release for this program aimed at protecting kids from kidnappers and predators, a child goes missing every 40 seconds, the FBI receives 2,000 “missing child” reports a day, and the number of missing children has increased by 468% since 1982. I Am Not a Target!, hosted by Meredith Gold (who relates her own childhood near-abduction experience, which is shown here in a re-enactment), offers advice to kids on a wide variety of topics, including: being aware of strangers' tricks and lies (such as the offer of treats), developing awareness skills when alone or with other kids (including how to improve “peripheral vision”), keeping a safe distance from adult strangers (two arms' length), “verbal boundaries” (with tips for decisively cutting off an unwanted conversation), and how to take an active “ready stance.” In addition to showing the chilling security camera footage of the abduction of Carlie Brucia, this DVD does feature children practicing self-defense techniques that some experts discourage in favor of “run, yell, tell” strategies. While more intense than the excellent Kidsmartz: Abduction Prevention (VL-11/03), which is aimed at younger viewers, I Am Not a Target! would be appropriate for children aged 8-up. Recommended. Aud: P. (R. Reagan)