Mum warns other parents AGAINST buying personalised clothing for their kids

A mum has urged parents NOT to buy personalised clothing or backpacks for their kids as she says it can compromise their safety

While personalised clothing with your child's name on can look super-cute, and name key rings for backpacks are a popular choice at gift shops, one mum has urged caution when buying them for your kids.

The mum, who has a BA in Criminology and Psychology, has warned that these items could be a magnet for predators and put children in a 'very difficult situation'.

• Ex detective reveals why she would never let kids have sleepovers or use an iPad alone

Dannah Eve, who regularly posts safety tips on TikTok, took to the social media site to alert parents about the dangers of items displaying your child's first name, surname or full name.

A target for predators

The US mum warned that letting kids wear personalised items can make them a target for predators, and that kids will be more likely to go with potential kidnappers who know their name.

Sharing stock images of children with personalised backpacks, Dannah explained:

'Here's something super cute, but something you should never buy for your children.

'Backpacks or clothing with their name on it.'

And, while she tells parents of young babies that it doesn't really apply to them as they're 'most likely in your arms at all times', Dannah tells parents of older kids they should be aware of the risks of personalised clothing.

She says:

'If your child is of school age and they walk to and from school by themselves, or if they just go to school in general, a backpack with their name on it or clothing with their name on it can unfortunately put them in a very difficult situation.'

And while this is a worst case scenario, Dannah urges ALL parents to take note.

'Just a simple way to help keep your kids safe'

'Predators don't come off as these monstrous people,' she added. 'They come off as genuine good people and they are unbelievable at luring your children away with them.

'Giving them access to their name is something you never want to do, because, let's face it, the second somebody says a child's name and they turn around, that person now automatically has an upper hand.

'They now have the ability to make that child think they know them – or that they know their parents.

'Just a simple way to help keep your kids safe,' she added.

What do parents think?

Parents took to the comments section to thank the mum for her advice, with 1 writing:

'Makes sense. thanks for the tip 👌.'

Meanwhile, another said:

'Absolutely imperative NOT to give all strangers access to your child's name.'

A third wrote:

'Yes! I always say this to my friends, so dangerous.'

And another mum said she'd reconsidered her decision to buy a personalised backpack for her child as a result of watching Dannah's video.

'Thank you I was about to get a backpack with my daughter’s name on it because she asked me for that her friend has that😂 I will explain for her now,' she said.

Worried about your child's safety or looking for tips to keep them safe? Our dedicated 'Child Safety' section will help you with everything from childproofing your home to teaching kids about stranger danger.

Or chat with other parents about children's health and safety in our Forum below.

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