Runaway facts for kids

A runaway is someone or something that has left a place or situation without permission or control. This word can describe a child who leaves home, a horse that runs off, or even a story or movie where characters are on the run. Understanding the different ways we use "runaway" helps us learn about various situations and challenges.

What is a Runaway?

A runaway often refers to a young person, usually under 18, who leaves their home without their parents' or guardians' permission. This can happen for many reasons, and it's a serious situation that can put young people at risk.

Why Do Young People Run Away?

Young people might run away from home for different reasons. Sometimes, they feel unsafe or unhappy at home. This could be because of arguments, feeling misunderstood, or facing difficult situations. They might feel like they have no other choice or that no one is listening to them. Other times, they might be trying to escape problems or simply want more freedom.

What Happens to Runaways?

When a young person runs away, they often face many dangers. They might not have a safe place to sleep, enough food, or protection from bad weather. They can also be at risk of meeting dangerous people or getting into trouble. It's very important for young people who have run away to find help and support.

Where Can Runaways Find Help?

There are many organizations and shelters that help young people who have run away. These places offer a safe environment, food, and support. They can also help young people talk through their problems and find solutions, often helping them reconnect with their families or find other safe living arrangements. Hotlines are also available where young people can call and talk to someone confidentially about their situation.

When a Horse Becomes a Runaway

The term "runaway" can also describe an animal, especially a horse, that runs off without its rider or handler having any control. This is often called "bolting."

Why Do Horses Bolt?

Horses might bolt for several reasons. They could be scared by something sudden, like a loud noise or an unexpected movement. They might also be very excited or feel trapped. Sometimes, a horse might bolt if it hasn't been trained well or if its rider isn't experienced enough to control it in a stressful situation.

How to Handle a Bolting Horse

When a horse bolts, it can be dangerous for both the horse and anyone nearby. Riders are trained to try and regain control safely, often by guiding the horse in circles to slow it down. Preventing bolting involves good training for the horse and rider, making sure the horse feels comfortable and secure.

Runaway in Pop Culture

The word "runaway" also appears in popular culture, like in comic books and movies, often referring to characters who are escaping or on the run.

Runaways (Comics)

Runaways is a popular comic book series created by Marvel Comics. It started in 2003 and tells the story of a group of teenagers who discover their parents are supervillains. Shocked by this, they decide to run away from home and use their parents' powers and resources to try and make things right. The series explores themes of family, friendship, and finding your own path.

Runaway (Movie)

Runaway is a science-fiction action movie from 1984. It stars Tom Selleck and Gene Simmons. In the movie, a police officer specializes in tracking down and stopping robots that have gone rogue or "runaway" from their programming. It's an exciting story about technology and what happens when machines go out of control.