Keep an eye on your children this festive season

During this time thousands of people descend on beaches, parks, malls and other busy areas.

Remember that children can disappear in a matter of seconds. Do not let anything distract you.

Always be aware of your surroundings, the people around you and where your children are.

Nicky Rheeder, the operations director at Missing Children South Africa, said during the festive season, several children get lost or separated from their parents/guardians at places such as beaches.

“It is vital that parents/guardians familiarise themselves with the possible dangers in areas they plan on visiting and educate their children about safety,” she said.

“One cannot avoid a potentially dangerous situation if you don’t know what to look out for.

“It is important that parents teach their children safety tips, to ensure they know what to do should they get lost.

“They should be taught which situations to avoid, to ensure that they do not place themselves in danger.”

Below are some tips:

· Point out police officers, lifeguards, store cashiers and security personnel to your children, for example, so they know who to approach for help.

Also show them landmarks in the area in which you are. In a mall, show them the information desk, for example, and explain that they can go and wait there should they not be able to find you.

· Children should be taught never to go anywhere alone, as well as never to talk to, accept anything from or go anywhere with a stranger.

Even if it is someone they know, they should obtain your permission first. It is also a great idea to have a family password. Teach your children to ask the person who says they were sent by you for the password.

· They should also be informed of what to do should they be approached by a stranger or if they feel unsafe around someone known to them. They can run away, scream and get the attention of other people in the area. Be wary of new “friends”, either people who are “friendly” to you or to your children.

· Ensure your children know your name, their name and surname as well as their address when they are of age.

They should be informed that these details are only to be given to authorities and lifeguards for example and not to strangers who approach them.

· While on holiday, ensure that you know where the closest police station and hospital is.

· Pay attention to what your children are wearing and keep a recent photograph of them as this will help in case of an emergency.

If you find out that your child is missing, report it to the police.

Provide as much information as possible about your child.

Rheeder said people should never wait 24 hours to report a missing person.

“If you realise that someone is missing, you should report it immediately. The sooner the police can start working on the case, the better,” she said.

You can then contact contact Missing Children South Africa.

The organisation’s role is to create awareness around missing individuals in partnership with the SAPS.

They cannot distribute any information that has not been reported to SAPS.

You can send the name, age, situation surrounding the child, case number, SAPS details and the name of the officer who assisted you, as well as a most recent photograph of the child to info@missingchildren.org.za

Important numbers to remember:

Police – 10111.

Missing Children South Africa – 072 647 7464 (072 MISSING).

ER24 – 084 124 (in case of a medical emergency).