Back to school safety tips for your little ones

THE start of the new academic year has begun and parents, guardians and caregivers have less control over the movement of their children during school hours. Brighton Beach police embarked on a flyer campaign to condition parents on safety aspects for their children when they are not under their supervision.

The following are guidelines provided by the police as a pro-active means to assist those responsible for the care, protection, and safety of children in minimising the risk of children finding themselves in unsafe spaces.

– Educate your child on the risk of entering into cyberspaces, engaging with strangers and divulging personal information about themselves and providing photos.

– Encourage your child not to talk to or walk with, take free novelties or lifts from strangers.

– Ensure that your child is aware of the route he or she is to follow when making their way to school. They should not deviate from the route or take short cuts through parks or sports fields.

– Ensure that the mode of transport being used by their children conforms to the Road Traffic Act, such as the driver having a valid Public Driver’s Permit (PDP), driver’s license, and that the mode of transport is roadworthy.

– Ensure that they do not loiter outside the schools, in the street or at shopping complexes when dropped off at school, it is safer inside the school grounds.

– If your children are consuming medication, especially scheduled medication, send them with a letter to school informing them of this and that the medication is handed at the front office. Children are not allowed to have any form of medication on them or in school bags or allowed to consume such without adult supervision on school premises. Learners are also not permitted to administer medication to each other on school premises.

– Ensure that you have a current photo of your child. This will help the police track and trace your child, should he or she get abducted, lost at a public place or run away from home.

– Ensure that parents, guardians or caregivers’ current information is updated on school records. The school and police have difficulty in tracing parents in cases of emergency, as cell phone numbers, work contact details, as well as home and work addresses, are outdated.

– Have a name list of your child’s friends, their contact details and that of their parents. These contacts can assist the police should your child be
abducted or run away from home.

– Conduct random checks on school bags and cupboards or drawers for signs of possible drug use, smell their uniform or clothes before washing them for signs of smoking. Watch for the symptoms which are possible indicators of use or abuse.

– Don’t let your child sleepover or attend a party with people that you have not met. If possible, meet the host parents, or contact them to confirm arrangements.

– Be aware of the places your child visits and the company they keep. Children often get involved in criminal activities such as to fit in with a group or person to be accepted.

For more information and tips, contact the below organisations: 

Child Welfare SA 0861 CHILD (24453) or 011-452-4110 or send an e-mail at info2childwelfaresa.org.za

Childline: KZN 080-005-5555

Lifeline: 086-132-2322

Durban Children’s Society: 031-312-9313

Durban Child Welfare: 031 – 312-9313

Crisis Care Line: 031- 765-1587/1314 or 082-787-6452 or 082-822-7981

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