Gardaí in Donegal issue child safety warning over well-meaning habit of parents

Gardaí in Donegal have have appealed to parents and guardians not to engage in a well-meaning practice that could put children at risk.

Having a child's name visible on their schoolbag or other belongings could allow a stranger to convince them that they are known to the child or their family.

A spokesperson for An Garda Síochana in Donegal took to social media to help spread the important message.

"It's that time of year is almost upon us again when the kids are back at school," said the spokesperson.

"If you are still out buying bits and pieces, please remember to think twice about having your child’s school bag personalised with their name visible. A child could automatically presume that anybody who says their name is not a stranger.

"There are so many choices out there from personalised pencil cases to stickers for books with the child's name added and that is fine as they won't be seen when the child is travelling to and from school."