Child Protection Hotline launched for Secunda
The hotline which is run by the CEO of the Child Protection Hotline, Danie van Loggerenberg, is welcomed in the area, as this is a safe space where children, young adults and even parents who may need advice on dealing with troubled children or teens can be assisted by qualified and professional operators.
The official launch of the Secunda Child Protection Hotline was done at an event held at Bosjespruit Farm, through the national partner of the Child Protection Hotline, Optimum Financial Services, on Tuesday, September 27, with special guests and business representatives present.
The hotline which is run by the CEO of the Child Protection Hotline, Danie van Loggerenberg, is welcomed in the area, as this is a safe space where children, young adults and even parents who may need advice on dealing with troubled children or teens, can be assisted by qualified and professional operators.
Speaking to the Ridge Times, former Ms Africa Universe 2017 and PR for the Optimum Group, Ankia Nel said a call received by a distressed child residing in Secunda was made to another area’s hotline. This was the deciding factor that such a line is much needed for Secunda.
“This number is a dedicated line for Secunda children who are being bullied, or if there is a situation at home they are not comfortable in such as molestation, physical abuse or alcohol abuse or if the child feels they are in danger,” said Nel.
She said the line is a safe space for youth who needs to talk to someone when feeling suicidal.
“You can even send a single word like “help” to this number,” said Nel.
The youth are encouraged to save this number on their phones and to make contact if they feel uncomfortable in the company of an adult or even another child or if they are being bullied, feel unsafe or are abused mentally, physically or emotionally.
“Bullying is anything that any other person does to you that negatively affects you or makes you feel uncomfortable, unsafe, unwanted, unloved or unprotected,” said Nel.
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She also spoke of sex trafficking where in some cases, it would be a close family member who would hire out children. She said there are many cases of girls who are targeted for sex trafficking, however, there are also many cases, more so now, where boys are being trafficked.
“Boys are trafficked more for sex currently than girls,” said Nel.
She said there is also a high increase in children committing suicide and in many cases it is not problems happening at home but where the child is being bullied at school.
“Children are exposed to the dangers of social media with TikTok and Instagram being the biggest culprit of trends,” said Nel.
She said parents need to keep track of what their children are doing on their phones and who they are chatting with.
“I encourage parents to check their children’s phones. You are not depriving your children of anything. Spend real time with your children, talk to your children, be involved and know who are their friends and who the parents of the friends are,” said Nel.
The Secunda Child Protection Hotline number is 064 891 4252, or you can contact the CEO of the Secunda Child Protection Hotline, Danie van Loggerenberg on 082 303 7088.
