Keep your children safe during winter school holidays
With children spending more time at home, in the streets, and in public spaces during the school holidays, safety becomes a major concern for many parents and guardians across Tshwane.
School holidays are a time for children to take a break from their daily routines and spend quality time with family and friends. Adolescents also start exploring their independence and freedom.
As thousands of South African children prepare to go on a winter school break from June 27 to July 22, parents and guardians are urged to prioritise their children’s safety.
Police spokesperson Captain Johan van Dyk warns that holiday periods often see an increase in crimes involving children, particularly when they are left alone.
“Parents must make sure that an adult is present at all times or children are left under trustworthy supervision,” he said.
Van Dyk also expressed some concerns, which can make children easy targets for robbers.
“Children walk with their cellphones and electronic equipment exposed in public, which enhances the possibility of being robbed.
“They are also tricked by criminals asking for assistance with their cellphones”, only for their phones to be stolen.
“Social media platforms also pose a threat from strangers whereby they are befriended and asked to meet at a place and are abducted or raped,” said Van Dyk.
To reduce these incidents, he highlighted crime prevention operations and patrols that are being executed daily in all of the Tshwane policing areas.
“There are ongoing awareness campaigns executed on a weekly basis at schools where police interact with the children on various topics such as drugs, gang-related topics, personal safety tips, bullying and social media awareness and safety measures.”
He said CPFs play an integrated part within the communities with patrols and information gathering to keep children safe during the holidays.
Van Dyk advised parents to always know where their children are and where they are going at all times.
“Make sure who their friends are and which social media platforms they make use of. Any uncertainty, they can visit their closest SAPS station to assist or report it by contacting 0800 10111 or download the SAPS app and share information there,” he said.
The Department of Basic Education advised parents to prioritise their children’s safety by adhering to the following guidelines:
– Children must avoid talking to strangers, especially when you’re not around.
– Teach your children to always tell you if they have been approached by a stranger, and never keep secrets.
– If your child needs a lift, tell them only to get lifts with friends, and to get out when they feel uncomfortable.
– If your child gets lost, they should ask for help from a police officer, another grown-up with children or someone working at a nearby shop.
– Have your children learn and know their address and telephone number by heart.
– Try to keep your children within your sight or another adult whom you trust.
– When out and about visiting places, always arrange a meeting point for you and your child, in case either of you gets separated and lost.
– Make sure you all travel together or have seats close together on a bus or taxi.
– Always accompany your child to public toilets.
– Stick to busy, well-lit roads, and avoid shortcuts through alleyways.
– If your child thinks someone is following them, they should cross the road or go to a place with lots of people around, like a bus stop or shop.
– Encourage your child to speak up if they are being bullied or feel they might be in danger.
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