Parents have been urged to empower their children, teenagers and varsity-going young adults with all the information necessary to respond to any crisis or act of criminality.
According to Etwatwa SAPS spokesperson Capt Ramothakhi Maqabe, kidnapping is the unlawful intention of depriving a person of their freedom of movement.
“It is difficult to handle a dangerous situation once you are facing it, but it is important for a person or a child to play in a safe environment, like at home and under the supervision of an adult person,” he said.
“As parents and guardians, it is our responsibility to not only educate our children about safety but to also give them the necessary tools to deal with a crisis,” said national communications and marketing manager at Fidelity ADT Charnel Hattingh.
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Hattingh offered the following safety precautions for children and young adults.
Teach your children:
• They must always walk to or from school with a friend or friends. Stick to streets they know and never take shortcuts through quiet areas or empty parking lots.
• If they get picked up at school, they should never leave the premises and always wait inside the school grounds for their lift to arrive.
• Younger children, particularly, must never get into a stranger’s car, even if the stranger claims that someone they love is hurt and that they have been sent to pick them up. Remind them that you would never send someone they do not know to fetch them.
• Consider using a password system. If the person coming to collect your child from school cannot repeat the password you and your child agreed on, they should not get into the car and immediately ask for help.
• If a stranger approaches your child, they should not talk to them no matter how friendly they may seem. If someone tries to grab them, they need to fight, kick and shout.
• If your child does encounter any suspicious activity, encourage them to get a good look and memorise their physical details and clothing, as well as the vehicle they are in. Listen for any names or other details that might help identify them later.
• Make sure your children memorise their full names, address and phone number. Using a play phone, teach them when and how to dial 10111. If they are older they should have some emergency numbers programmed into their phone or consider having a safety app on their phone.
Remind students:
• Older children should be reminded to keep their valuables out of sight at all times and not use headphones because this will hinder their ability to sense their surroundings. “The more you cut your senses off the easier it is for someone to take you by surprise. Stay alert!” said Hattingh.
• Alter their route. If they are walking home or to a public transport, they need to alter their route. “Even if it takes longer, always use a route that is well-lit and populated with houses and other commuters, instead of taking shortcuts through less-friendly areas. If you feel threatened, you can at least knock on someone’s door for help if you’re walking through a familiar neighbourhood.”
• If you are using a taxi service, ensure it is a bona fide service provider.
• Be extra cautious to go and meet anyone who befriends you on social media. Always meet in a public space with two or three friends as backup.
• Be cautious of being lured by people offering you a job or modelling contract. Remember, there is safety in numbers.
“Quite simply, the same rules that apply to adults need to be instilled in children and young adults and if someone cannot be found, it is vital to report this to the authorities immediately.”
