Safety Central app lets parents act quickly if a child goes missing

I hope you’ll never have to use all the features of Safety Central, a new app from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children.

But if that nightmare scenario of a missing child ever happens, Safety Central could be the most important app on your iPhone or Android device.

The app, which you can download for iOS here or for Android here, has three main components:

• Digital Child ID Kit: Save potentially lifesaving information about your children, including photos and digital fingerprint images. Reminds you when it’s time to update the photos.
• Missing Children Search: View posters of children missing in your area and make a report if you have any information.
• NCMEC Updates: Stay connected with news, trends and safety tips from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC).

The Boy Scouts of America has been longtime allies with NCMEC and its Netsmartz resource center. Michael Johnson, the BSA’s director of Youth Protection, says the Safety Central app is the newest tool in the groups’ combined mission to keep young people safe.

“This resource fits well with all aspects of our Youth Protection programs, such as the Cyber Chip, by providing additional safety tips,” Johnson says. “Download this free app today, and help protect your child and all youth.”

Ju’Riese Colon, executive director of outreach at NCMEC, says the app puts “safety in the palm of your hands.”

“It’s a great tool for parents and Scout leaders to keep children safer while out and about,” she says. “It’s a must have for any parent or leader on the go.”

Safety Central app lets parents act quickly if a child goes missing