Criminologist reveals common parenting trend putting kids at risk: 'Puts them in danger'

Personalised gear may be on trend among kids, but one criminologist is speaking out about its hidden dangers.

Dannah Eve, who has a degree in criminology and psychology, posted a clip to her TikTok, alerting parents to a possible unintended consequence of emblazoning their child's name on their backpack or clothing.

"Here's something that's super cute, but something that you should never buy for your children," Eve shared. "Backpacks or clothing with their name on it."

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Explaining that this wasn't an issue for babies or young toddlers - given they'd (hopefully) always be with a parent/carer and likely not responding to their name yet, once a child reached school age, parents should rethink the accessories, she warned.

"A backpack with their name on it or clothing with their name on it can unfortunately put them in a very dangerous situation," she shared.

"Predators don't come off as these monstrous people, they come off as genuine good people and they are unbelievable at luring your children away with them. Now giving them access to their name is something that you never want to do," she continued.

The reason? Because if that predator was to see their name, and call it out and the child turned out, that would "automatically" give them the "upper hand".

"They now have the ability to make that child think that they know them. Or that they know their parents," she said.

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This could then lead to them being more easily put into a dangerous situation.

Many of Eve's followers admitted this hadn't occurred to them.

"Never thought about this," said one. "Three children, the oldest is nearly 11, why have I never thought of this?" added another.

"Right that's me off to bin his mini backpack right NOW," shared one mum.

Many others said they did the same, and added their own safety tips.

"Yes!!! Say this louder! The amount of kids I see with their names in their backpacks is scary!," said one.

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"I've always said this! So glad you're spreading this because it's so dangerous," said another.

"I'm so cautious in public I call my child by a whole different name," said one.

Tips from the Australian Federal Police on teaching kids stranger awareness:

• Educate children about personal safety, including 'stranger danger' awareness
• Walk to school in groups and not alone
• Don't walk around the streets alone, ring your parents to pick you up
• Let your parents know where you are going and if your plans change
• Don't approach cars if someone stops and asks questions.
• Teach children to remember information such as your address and mobile phone number, and how to identify a trusted adult if they need help