TikTok hack teaches kids the one word to yell for safety—and it’s not ‘HELP!’

It’s every parent’s worst fear: losing sight of your child in a public place or, worse, hearing them cry out in danger. A viral TikTok shared by mom and creator @sierrasaidthat is sparking an important conversation about child safety, introducing a simple hack: instead of yelling “HELP!” in emergencies, teach your child to yell “MOM!”

@sierrasaidthat Women will come to help. 🩷✨ #mom #momsoftiktok #girlmom ♬ original sound – sugar &lt3

The video has captured the attention of millions of parents, highlighting a simple yet effective “hack” that could make all the difference in a scary situation.

Here’s why this tip is gaining traction—and how you can incorporate it into your own safety plans for your kids.

A real-life example of quick thinking in danger

On Nov. 19, Michelle Kremer-Tidwell’s daughter was waiting at her school bus stop when a man allegedly grabbed her and dragged her toward a secluded area. The 12-year-old managed to escape by yelling for her mom and fleeing to safety.

“I found out (later) she had yelled ‘MOM!’” Kremer-Tidwell told MLive. Her quick thinking not only saved her from harm but also helped law enforcement apprehend the suspect shortly after.

Kremer-Tidwell emphasized the importance of teaching children basic safety strategies from an early age. “Scream, yell, make as much noise as you can. Run away. My daughter could not have done anything more perfect than she did,” she said.

Expert-approved strategies to keep kids safe

Beyond teaching children to yell “MOM!” in emergencies, there are other actionable strategies parents can implement:

1. Role-play emergency scenarios

Practicing different situations with your child helps them feel prepared to respond. According to Lenore Skenazy, founder of Free-Range Kids, rehearsing with your child helps them stay calm and focused in real situations.

2. Create a family ‘safe word’

The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends establishing a secret code word for your family that signals danger. If someone unfamiliar approaches your child, they can ask for this code word to verify safety.

3. Teach kids how to identify safe adults

According to the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children, children should be taught to approach helpers like store employees, other parents with kids, or uniformed officers if they need assistance.

4. Practice situational awareness

Safety nonprofit Kidpower International advises teaching kids to stay in well-lit, crowded areas and to recognize landmarks (like signs or checkouts) in case they get separated.

Why ongoing safety conversations matter

Empowering children with safety strategies doesn’t mean scaring them—it’s about building their confidence. Dr. Eileen Kennedy-Moore, clinical psychologist and author of Kid Confidence, explains: “Teaching kids these skills doesn’t mean scaring them—it’s about empowering them to navigate the world with confidence.”

Kremer-Tidwell agrees. She credits her daughter’s bravery to years of repeating safety lessons: “I started her very young… Just say it over and over and over and over again.” She advises parents to be their children’s biggest cheerleaders and give them the confidence to be brave and stand up.

The bottom line

The viral TikTok teaching kids to yell “MOM!” in emergencies is more than just a hack—it’s a reminder of the importance of proactive safety education. From rehearsing emergency scenarios to teaching children how to identify safe adults, parents have many tools to help their kids navigate the world safely.

As Kremer-Tidwell poignantly said of her daughter: “She did a great, brave thing… There’s a lot of adults who wouldn’t have known what to do or how to get away… and my kid did it.”

By teaching your child simple yet effective strategies, like yelling “MOM!” and recognizing trusted adults, you’re giving them a safety toolkit that could one day make all the difference.