BLOGGING THE VIEW: Keep children safe during the holidays in these 7 settings

THE world is a dangerous place, and while kids are on holiday there are lots of dangers they could be susceptible to. Here are 7 areas that you, as a parent or caregiver, should consider when planning child safety these holidays – and going forward.

1. Out in public
When your children are at shopping centres, parks, stadia or other public places that are crowded, it can be easy to lose them. Some ways to keep your children safe include:
· Dressing them in bright colours for improved visibility
· Teaching them to stay close and establish a meeting point in case they become separated
· Writing your contact details on a wristband, a small card in their pocket, or even on the inside of their clothing

2. In the water
South Africa’s warm weather means children spend a lot of time at pools, beaches and rivers. Unfortunately, drowning remains a major risk. Keep children safe by following these guidelines:
· Teach children basic water survival skills
· Never leave children unattended near water, even for a moment
· Don’t look at your phone or read a book while children are in the water
· Ensure they wear appropriate flotation devices and brightly coloured clothing
· Swim only in designated safe areas with lifeguards present

3. When travelling
If you’re travelling to be with family or friends this Easter, or just heading out for a day trip, South Africa’s roads are dangerous. You need to do what you can to keep children as safe as possible, including:
· Using age-appropriate car seats and seatbelts
· Planning breaks during long drives to prevent driver fatigue
· Avoiding distractions while driving, especially your phone
· Keeping emergency contacts and a first-aid kit in your car

4. Around fire
Celebrations and gatherings in South Africa often involve braais – posing a massive fire danger for children. To keep them safe:
· Children must remain at a safe distance from braais and are never to handle them alone
· Supervise children around open flames at all times
· Teach children about fire safety and what to do in an emergency

5. In the sun
The South African sun can be harsh, even in the autumn and winter months, with prolonged sun exposure leading to sunburn or dehydration. When it comes to children:
· Apply sunscreen with a high SPF regularly
· Keep them hydrated with plenty of water
· Provide hats and UV-protective sunglasses when outdoors
· Schedule outdoor activities for cooler parts of the day

6. Around strangers
Holidays often mean meeting new people, but it’s important to remind children about stranger danger, no matter where they are. This means:
· Teaching them never to accept gifts or go anywhere with a stranger
· Encouraging open communication so they feel comfortable telling you if something makes them uneasy
· Establishing a family password for emergencies – only those who know the password can pick them up

7. Online
With more free time, and parents often stuck at work, children may spend extra hours online. Keep them safe by:
· Monitoring their screen time and online activity
· Educating them on the dangers of sharing personal information
· Using parental controls on devices and apps

Make sure child safety is a number one priority this holiday.

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