KWAZULU-NATAL. – Die polisie in die Ilembe-distrik het met kinderbeskermingsweek ‘n handleiding vir kinderveiligheid, wat belangrike wenke vir ouers en kinders bevat, bekendgestel.
Kapt. Alex Thomson sê die handleiding is belangrik vir die veiligheid van kinders wanneer hulle van die skool af huis toe stap en wanneer hulle in die gemeenskap speel.
Thomson sê kinders moet besef daar skuil buite hulle veilige sone potensiële gevaar en ouers moet hulle oor die belangrikheid van kinderveiligheid leer.
Die handleiding is in Engels, maar die inligting daarin, soos hier onder vervat, kan self gelees en toegepas word.
Genl.maj. Anthony Gopaul, die distrikskommissaris van Ilembe, sê ouers moet altyd weet waar hulle kinders is: “Ons doen ‘n beroep op ouers om ‘n aktiewe rol in die veiligheid van hul kinders te speel, om te verseker dat hulle te alle tye veilig bly. Ons moedig ook ouers aan om tred te hou met die vriende wat hulle kinders het, sowel as die sosialemedia-interaksies wat ouer kinders het, aangesien daar vals profiele en roofdiere daar buite op sosiale media is wat onskuldige kinders kan laat afdwaal.”
Personal Safety for Children:
Ensure your child knows their full name(s), their parents’ names, their home address, and emergency phone numbers.
Encourage children to tell their parents about things that make them feel scared, uncomfortable, or sad.
Teach children the difference between a good secret and a bad secret. A good secret is fun to keep, while a bad secret feels bad and can be scary.
Always know your child’s whereabouts and be aware of their friends and the places they visit.
Never leave a child unattended in a vehicle, whether it is running or not.
Listen to your child and pay attention if they express discomfort or unwillingness to be with someone or go somewhere.
Teach your child that they have the right to refuse any unwanted, uncomfortable, or confusing touch or actions by others and encourage them to get out of those situations as quickly as possible.
Be sensitive to any changes in your child’s behaviour or attitude. Encourage open communication and learn how to be an active listener. If your child shares concerns, stay calm, reassuring, and non-judgmental.
Stranger Danger for Children:
Teach your child never to share their name(s) or address with strangers.
Always use the “buddy system” to avoid your child walking or playing alone outside or in public places.
Ensure your child keeps a safe distance from strangers and their cars, even if a stranger seems friendly.
Teach your child that they should always ask permission before accepting gifts from strangers.
Children should know that adults, especially strangers, rarely ask children for help in finding things or for directions. Explain to your child that men and women are strangers.
Develop code words with trusted individuals who can pick up your child and teach your child the words. Inform them not to go with anyone who does not know the code words.
Home Safety for Children:
If your child stays alone at home after school, always teach them to keep all doors and windows locked when they are at home alone.
Ensure your child knows how to contact you, the SAPS, or another close relative in an emergency.
When children are alone at home, they should tell people who phone that you are there, but that you are busy and cannot answer the phone. The person who is phoning can call back later. Teach your child to end any telephone calls with strangers immediately and hang up the phone if they continue to talk.
