Noor Says NoShould your child's name be on their backpack?
Sources reviewed on November 1, 2026. Based on public advice, see below.
Put it on the inside. Police in Canada and Ireland advise against showing a child's name on the outside of backpacks and clothes, because someone can use it to seem familiar. Label the inside, so lost things still come back, and teach your child that knowing a name doesn't make someone a friend.
What do the police say?
New Westminster Police in Canada advises parents to avoid placing a child's name or nickname prominently on the outside of backpacks, jackets or lunch kits. That information can be misused by someone trying to build trust with your child.
Ireland's police service, An Garda Síochána, says something similar: be careful about a name shown clearly on clothing, as a stranger may use it.
Is this a big risk?
We don't know how often it happens. We found no figures. It is an easy thing to change, and it costs nothing. There is no reason to panic if your child's backpack has a name on it. Just move it.
What do you do instead?
- Write the name inside bags, coats and lunch boxes.
- Use a small tag inside with your phone number if you like.
- Do not buy name-printed backpacks for daily use.
What do you teach your child?
One sentence: "Knowing your name doesn't mean someone knows you." Practice it. Someone says "Hi, Emma!" and your child doesn't know them. What would your child do? Walk over to a teacher or to you, and tell.
NCMEC adds that children should know to get your permission before going anywhere with anyone. That rule holds no matter what the person says or knows. See what to teach if a stranger approaches your child.
What about a coach or teacher who knows the name?
Lots of people know your child's name, and that is fine. The name doesn't decide anything. Going along without asking is the thing to avoid.
Frequently asked questions
What about name labels for preschool?
If the school requires labels, put them on the inside or use initials on the outside. Ask the school what works.
Does a name inside really help with lost items?
It helps whoever finds the item and opens it. A phone number inside can help too. Our sources do not measure this.
Keep reading
- What do you teach your child if a stranger approaches them?
- What is a family password, and how do you set one up?
- What age can a child walk to school alone?
All topics are in the overview of parents' questions. The big picture is in the guide How do you help keep your child safe? A guide for parents. Want to practice this with your child? That's why the picture book Noor Says No was made.
Sources
Each source was read on November 1, 2026. These organizations are not connected to this site or the book.
- New Westminster Police Department (Canada): Back to School Safety Reminders for Parents and Caregivers.
- An Garda Síochána (Ireland): Crime Prevention Information Sheet: Personal Safety (PDF).
- National Center for Missing & Exploited Children: KidSmartz: rethinking stranger danger.
This is general information, not a replacement for professional help. Worried about a child? In the US, call or text Childhelp at 1-800-422-4453. In the UK, call the NSPCC at 0808 800 5000. Immediate danger: call 911 or 999.
