Safety tips for parents and children this Child Protection Week

As the country observed Child Protection Week from May 29 to June 5, Nompe Mphuthi, a social work supervisor at the Department of Social Development in Benoni, has urged parents to take proactive steps in safeguarding their children against abuse and exploitation.

Child Protection Week is an annual campaign that highlights the importance of protecting children from abuse and neglect while encouraging communities to report any incidents.

According to Mphuthi, it is essential to teach children important safety information, including their parents’ names, contact numbers, and home addresses.

“Children should also know not to share personal information on social media and must be wary of strangers. If they do speak to strangers, they should maintain a safe distance,” she advised.

She further encouraged parents to help their children identify trusted adults, such as teachers, neighbours, and family members, whom they can approach for help.

“Children should also learn to play in public spaces near their homes and understand both their rights and their responsibilities,” Mphuthi added.

Mphuthi urged parents to remain actively involved in their children’s lives, including knowing who their friends are and the activities they engage in.

For assistance with child-related or social work matters, contact Nompe Mphuthi on 066 291 4973 or Thivho Matondzi on 082 469 0403.

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