How to keep your child safe and entertained during school holidays
Put your child’s safety first this school holiday with simple tips to keep them protected, active, and happily entertained.
With schools closed until April 8, the SAPS encourage parents and guardians to ensure the safety of their children.
The police shared some tips.
• Have a calm, honest, age-appropriate conversation with your child about stranger danger
• Discuss safety issues through role playing ‘what if’ scenarios. Encourage children to trust their instinct and to tell a trusted adult when they sense they are in danger.
• Emphasise online safety and the use of mobile phone apps and games that have ‘chat’ functions as this can be just as dangerous as a stranger in the street.
• Consider installing special filtering software as an option for blocking objectionable material. Use these tools and stay involved in your child’s activities.
• Report any suspected child abuse, neglect or exploitation to local police or use the Crime Stop number 08600 10111.
ALSO READ: Be vigilant: GBV on the rise in Mpumalanga during holidays
Keep children engaged and active during the holiday by planning fun activities, setting routines and always knowing where they are. Some simple tips include supervising outdoor play, teaching them emergency contact numbers and encouraging safe online habits.
Many families will be travelling over the Easter holiday as well.
When taking children on a road trip:
• Always keep within the speed limit and watch out for pedestrians, especially now that children are home and playing outside
• Check for children around your car before driving off
• Ensure children sit in the back seat and always wear their seat belts
ALSO READ: Road safety in Mpumalanga: Fewer accidents, more fatalities over festive season
If you are going on holiday, follow these safety tips:
• Never leave children unsupervised near water
• Actively supervise them, even if they can swim or are wearing safety gear
• Restrict access to pools using a fence with a locking gate
• At the beach, ensure children swim only in areas with a lifeguard
• Do not let children wander alone in bush camps
