Experts issue safety tips for parents and children
The national justice, crime prevention and security cluster have issued tips for parents and children to survive the festive season.
During this time of year, parents, guardians and families busy themselves to the point they temporarily lose sight of each other.
The national government justice, crime prevention and security cluster has therefore issued safety tips for parents and children to survive this festive season.
These tips range from parents to knowing their children’s friends and the places they visit, to keeping an eye on them in public places.
While kids were tipped to scream “HELP!” or contact 10111 or Childline 116 (Toll-free).
Know your children:
– Know where your children are at all times, know their friends and be clear with them about the places and homes they may visit.
– Listen to your children, pay attention if they tell you they feel uncomfortable around someone.
– Be sensitive to any changes in your children’s behaviour or attitude.
Teach your children:
– Educate your children on their rights to refuse any unwelcome, uncomfortable or confusing advances by others and to get out of those situations as quickly as possible.
– Practise basic safety skills with your children.
Protect your children:
– Notice and investigate when anyone shows your child a great deal of attention or begins giving gifts.
– Never leave children unattended in a vehicle.
– Mark your children’s clothing or property in such a way that their names are not visible to the public.
What should children know:
– The personal details of parents or guardians, such as full name, address and phone number including those of close relatives.
– Emergency numbers: Police 10111 or Childline 116 (toll-free).
– Encourage them to scream “HELP!” when in danger.
– That keeping harmful secrets and threats made to them is dangerous.
– Run in the opposite direction from a strange car that is travelling towards them if they feel uncomfortable or unsafe.
– Keep all doors and windows locked when home alone.
– When separated from a parent/guardian in a store or shopping mall, go to an adult wearing a store uniform or a cashier for help immediately.
What children should avoid:
– Walking or playing alone outside or in public places.
– Walking too close to strangers and strangers’ cars, even if the stranger seems friendly.
– Accepting gifts from strangers.
– Giving out any personal information online, including instant messages, chat rooms, blogs, or personal websites.
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