Ensure your children’s safety at malls this Christmas
Follow these tips to keep your children safe at the malls this Christmas season.
The police have called on locals and tourists to be vigilant against crime at shopping malls during this festive season.
Parents are also warned to avoid taking their kids to shopping malls, especially when busy. They are warned to ensure they keep small children with them at all times and not to let them wander around.
Also read: Six tips from a headmaster for child safety awareness
A provincial police spokesperson, Brigadier Selvy Mohlala, warned that Mpumalanga and the rest of the country should prepare for increased criminal activities and many road accidents.
“Crime and road accidents negatively affect our people, destroy families and harming the tourism industry. Let us join hands and fight crime and restore road safety. Mpumalanga is one of the most visited provinces in the country, especially the Lowveld region, which is rich in cultural diversities and tourism,” he said.
Also read: Be alert of cyber criminals
Tips for parents taking children to shopping malls:
• You must always be able to see them and they must always be able to see you.
• Teach your kids that if they ever become separated from you, they should look for a ‘safe stranger’ for help. This should preferably be a mother with kids, a cash register worker or security guards.
• Tell your child never to leave the mall or store to go looking for you, no matter what anyone tells them.
• Dress your child in brightly coloured clothes to make them easy to spot. Be sure to remember what they are wearing.
• Don’t treat public facilities as a convenient babysitter.
• Do not leave your children alone at video arcades, movie theaters, play areas or other public places.
• Always bring young children into the restroom with you.
• Make sure your child knows your cell phone number and your name. Only take your kids to shopping malls when it is necessary, but do not leave them unattended at home, either.
Follow us on our Facebook, X, Instagram and TikTok pages. Join our WhatsApp group for any story ideas you may have
Related article: A safety guide to giving your child a first phone
