Protect your children, Nampol warns
“Protecting children from criminal activities and incidents is of paramount importance; hence protecting them must be a shared responsibility between the police, parents and the community,” Dep. Comm. Kauna Shikwambi said in a media release.She said that Nampol has been inundated with worrisome and concerning reports where children are harmed, abused, raped, neglected and have become victims of crimes committed by those who are supposed to create safer and conducive environments for them.
“Children are committing suicide, some die on the road, while others perish from water and fire incidences,” Shikwambi said. “Then young boys have resorted to criminal activities, are exposed to theft, knife stabbings as well as illicit drug and alcohol use and sometimes they are made merchants of drug crimes.”
It is against this background that Nampol wants to reiterate its safety message and share tips for children's safety while intensifying parental guidance and support for the children as we prepare for the imminent school holidays and the Festive season.
Safety tips
• Teach children about personal boundaries and the importance of saying "no" to touch on private parts or situations that make them uncomfortable. Encourage them to speak up and confide in a trusted adult if something does not feel right.
• Teach children how to recognise emergencies and what to do in case of an emergency. Teach them about the police function (e.g. maintenance of law and order) as well as important phone numbers (10111), emergency services such as ambulances and trusted contacts, since this will aid them in reporting matters.
• Educate children about the dangers of the use of drugs and alcohol. Teach them to never attempt nor to accept the delivery of parcels in the streets or neighbourhood. They should avoid interacting with strangers at all times, and report any suspicious or inappropriate activity.
• Educate children about the potential dangers of the internet. Teach them to never share personal information online, avoid interacting with strangers, and report any suspicious or inappropriate content to a trusted adult, to LifeLine / ChildLine or the police.
• Teach children about road safety rules, such as looking both ways before crossing the street, using designated crosswalks, not jaywalking, and not crossing roads at low-light areas or at night. Deter them from hitch-hiking and encourage them to walk or cross roads in groups when it is safe. Additionally, deter them from playing on roads, especially boys and soccer.
• Teach children about strangers and the difference between a safe and unsafe stranger. Teach them to engage a teacher/organiser when his/her transport is delayed or to call the parent, never to approach unknown vehicles. Encourage them to never go anywhere with a stranger, accept gifts or treats.
• Educate children about the importance of water safety. Teach them to swim under adult supervision, and avoid unsupervised access to pools, oceans, rivers, or other bodies of water. Also teach children about fire safety measures, never to play with matches or lighters and deter others from throwing cigarette butts anywhere since it can ignite grass, causing veld fires.
Open communication
“We must remember that open communication and building a trusting relationship with children is crucial for their safety. Children are vulnerable and often unable to defend themselves. Therefore we must ensure their safety for their physical and emotional well-being. Early intervention in protecting children from criminal and untoward activities can help prevent them from becoming involved in criminal behaviour as they grow older,” Shikwambi said.
“The safety of our children is a responsibility that must be taken seriously by individuals, families, and communities. Let us work together to create a safe and nurturing environment for our children to prosper. We call upon members of the public to report any ill-treatment of children and involvement of children in criminal activities.”