Rally call to end violence against children
“The purpose of creating this awareness is not to create a sense of fear, but rather to teach and reinforce practical safety tips that will guide your child’s actions."
A child’s safety is a top priority for any parent and ensuring they are responsible is a necessity.
“Children in South Africa live in a society with a Constitution that has the highest regard for their rights. The Constitution clearly sets out that protecting children from violence, exploitation and abuse is not only a value but also an obligation.
“We should use this year’s National Child Protection Week to galvanise our efforts, to rid our nation of the scourge of crime targeted at children,” said Charnel Hattingh, national communications and marketing manager at Fidelity ADT.
“The purpose of creating this awareness is not to create a sense of fear, but rather to teach and reinforce practical safety tips that will guide your child’s actions. While parents and guardians hope their youngsters never find themselves in a dangerous situation, it is always best to make sure they are prepared.
“Information teaching them not to engage or leave their school’s premises with any strangers, especially overfriendly individuals, is the golden rule but is just one of many important rules to convey.”
Children waiting to be fetched after school should also remember to stay within the school’s premises.
If they usually walk home, parents should advise their children to walk in a group. Some communities have started walking buses, where adults walk with a group of children on their way to or from school as an added safety and security element.
“If they are unable to stay in a group on their way home, advise them to stick to familiar roads and avoid quiet side roads, alleys or fields.
“Children who are alone at home in the afternoons should understand why not to open the door for strangers and have the necessary emergency numbers near the home phone or pre-programmed on their mobile phones,” advised Hattingh.
Tips for children to remember in times of crisis:
• You must make it clear you are not a threat to them. Except for a life-and-death situation, fighting back must be avoided and any material possessions are readily given over. Your life is more valuable than a cellphone.
• If you are in trouble or someone is trying to kidnap you, make a noise and draw attention. Scream “no!” and try to get away.
• Get as many details about the criminal as possible. Encourage children to make quick observations without staring at the perpetrator or coming across as defiant.
“Any characteristics that could help with the identification of a suspect (such as visible scars, noticeable accents and tattoos and their outfit) will help with future investigations to apprehend them,” said Hattingh.
A basic understanding of these safety measures will be useful for any child. This is the motivation for a series of practical workshops arranged by Fidelity ADT in which it sends a trainer to primary schools to educate young learners about safety and security habits. Reiterating these tips is also crucial since the more parents repeat them, the more they will stick with them.
“These tips are fundamental for all children whether parents are at home or work. Teaching your children how to avoid and handle themselves in dangerous situations is one of the best things you can do,” concluded Hattingh.
