As schools reopen this week, parents and caregivers are advised on ways to ensure their children are kept safe.
Group Head of Communications and Marketing at the Fidelity Services Group, Charnel Hattingh, highlighted the importance of educating children on how to avoid potential dangers.
She also wished all learners the best for the new year, especially those who are going to school for the first time.
“Parents and carers can follow personal security tips to make a difference in the safety of their children and give everyone peace of mind,” she said.
The following safety tips are recommended for children:
– Never get into a stranger’s car – even if they claim someone you love is hurt, do not trust them.
– Walk with friends. If walking alone, ask a teacher or other parents if they know of other children from the area who do the same.
– Stick to familiar streets: Avoid taking shortcuts through unfamiliar or quiet areas.
– Wait inside school grounds: If getting picked up at school, wait inside the grounds for your lift to arrive. Do not leave the premises to look for them in the street.
– Don’t talk to strangers: If a stranger approaches you, do not engage with them, no matter how friendly they seem.
Hattingh added that in some cases, children will have to see themselves to and from school and keep themselves occupied until mom and dad return home in the evening.
She said if that happens, children must know not to let anyone into the house without permission.
“If you are going to be late, let your children know as soon as possible and give them an idea of when they can expect you to be home.”
SAPS suggests these safety tips for travelling to and from school:
– Map out with your children a safe way for them to walk to school or the bus stop.
– Teach children to follow traffic signals and rules when walking or biking.
– Encourage children to walk to school or the bus stop with a sibling or friend and to wait at bus stops with other children.
– Teach children not to talk to strangers, go anywhere with them or accept gifts from them without your permission.
– Help children memorise their phone number and full address, including the area code.
“Write down other important phone numbers, such as your work and cellphone on a card for your children to carry with them.”
SAPS also advises parents to follow these tips to keep children safe at school:
– Talk to your children about their day. Sometimes children won’t tell you right away if they are having problems at school.
– Look for warning signs, such as a sudden drop in grades, loss of friends or torn clothing.
– Teach children to resolve problems without fighting.
– Keep an eye on your children’s internet use.
– Ask about the safety and emergency plans for your children’s school.
– Play an active role on the safe school committee at your children’s school, as well as on your local community police forum.
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