#ChildProtectionWeek: Don’t threaten children with police or jail – EMPD
This year’s National Child Protection Week is observed from May 29 to June 5
To mark National Child Protection Week, the EMPD urges parents or guardians to refrain from using the police name to scare their children when disciplining or reprimanding them.
The metro police said telling your child when misbehaving that if he or she doesn’t behave the policeman will take them to jail isn’t the right option, as it will only serve to instil fear into that child.
The metro police wants children to see officers as people who can help them when they are in danger or scared rather than being scared of them.
EMPD’s media liaison Lerato Monyane said, “In fact, the EMPD cares for children. This is a problem because children when they see officers whether on the street or mall run from them for fear of being arrested or ‘whatsoever’.
“As the EMPD we work hand in hand with the children under the social crime unit, so we really need parents or guardians to spread the word that children are our friends. They need to feel free around officers of the law and to approach the officer whenever they are in danger or feel scared.
“Please also encourage your children to greet officers when they come across them on the roads, malls, and other public or private spaces to help build a relationship between them and police,” appealed Monyane.
This year’s National Child Protection Week is observed from May 29 to June 5 to raise awareness of the rights of children as stipulated in the country’s constitution and Children’s Act (Act No. 38 of 2005).
The campaign is led by the Department of Social Development, in partnership with government departments and civil society organisations rendering child protection services.
The South African government calls on citizens to support Child Protection Week by ensuring that the most vulnerable in our society do not suffer abuse.
“It is in our hands to stop the cycle of neglect, abuse, violence and exploitation of children,” reads a statement issued by the South African Government.
“It further states that children in South Africa live in a society with a constitution that has the highest regard for their rights and for the equality and dignity of everyone.
“Protecting children from violence, exploitation, and abuse is not only a basic value but an obligation clearly set out in Article 28 of the South African Constitution.”
Get help
The Department of Social Development has a pilot a 24-hour call centre dedicated to provide support and counselling to victims of gender-based violence with a toll-free number of 0800 428 428 (0800 GBV GBV) to speak to a social worker for assistance and counselling.
Callers can also request a social worker from the command centre to contact them by dialling *120*7867# (free) from any cellphone.
You can also seek help from:
Childline South Africa on 0800 055 555
Child Welfare South Africa on 0861 4 CHILD (24453) / 011 452-4110 or e-mail: info@childwelfaresa.org.za.
Also Read: Police visit school as start of National Child Protection Week
Also Read: Benoni Child Protection Hotline launched to tackle abuse
