Sebenza SAPS visits school during Child Protection Week
'We as parents, teachers and police have a responsibility to protect learners and teach them how to protect themselves'
SEBENZA SAPS officers toured local schools during Child Protection Week to assure learners the police had a responsibility to the Department of Education to ensure their safety and protection.
Speaking to learners and children at Edleen Primary School on Tuesday, Sgt Sharon Tsotsotso said, “We as parents, teachers and police have a responsibility to protect learners and teach them how to protect themselves against adults who may try to take advantage of them.
“We are using Child Protection Week to not only ensure that you are reminded of the various means you may employ to keep safe from perpetrators but to also demonstrate that we are committed to honouring our partnership with the Department of Education.”
Learners were also afforded the opportunity to ask questions and put up scenarios to find out how they could salvage some safety, protection or help in situations where they might find themselves in danger, or were cornered by adults who took advantage of innocent children.
“We are not only teaching children about keeping safe from adults. We want them to also know that there is such a thing as ‘bullying of teachers’ as it is something that is very real and happens. We want learners from primary to high school to know and understand the dangers of being a bully or not reporting bullies,” said Tsotsotso.
The sergeant urged parents to reprimand their children from an early age and make certain their children’s school bags are searched frequently because some learners hide drugs, cigarettes and sharp objections in their bags.
“Being involved in your child’s life in this way, you will identify problems quickly and get your child proper help while it is early. Some parents do not ask their children how their school day was and because of that they will never find out if their child is being abused or bullied or if he or she is the bully,” said Tsotsotso.
Parents needing professional help with matters that concern their children’s safety and protection are encouraged to contact Tsotsotso on 011 400 6000 or 073 116 7865.
