He was later killed, his remains not found for nearly eight years.

His story is well-known throughout Australia and has spawned the Daniel Morcombe Foundation, which now aims to educate children about personal safety through various school-run programs.

On Tuesday, Eglinton Public School was visited by the foundation’s Big Red truck in a joint-effort with the Australian Federal Police to continue spreading its message.

Assistant principal Ross James said child safety is a very important part of the curriculum at Eglinton Public School.

“It is important for every child to remain safe and ensure that while they are in our care they are safe,” he said.

The school has participated in Day for Daniel, held on October 28, for the past three years, but Tuesday was the first time the truck had visited.

Educators from the truck were keen to spread one vital message to students: recognise, react and report.

Students were told to trust their instincts in unusual situations and react accordingly. 

“In a lot of situations about child safety, instincts tell us that if you don’t feel safe, you probably aren’t safe,” Mr James said.

Internet safety was another focal point of talks during the visit. 

Students were told to protect their identities online, regularly changes passwords, restrict social media use until they’re over 13 years of age and never add someone they don’t know as a friend on social media.

“It is one of our biggest concerns and I don’t think we are aware about how dangerous it can be,” Mr James said.

Eglinton Public School will participate in formal Day for Daniel activities on Friday.

Students will wear red to school in support of the day and talk about a specific child safety issue in classrooms, which will be shared at an assembly later in the day.

Mr James said the Daniel Morcombe Foundation has made addressing these issues with students easier thanks to its supply of classroom resources.