EMPD gives safety precautions for learners
Concerns have been raised about cyberbullying, child abuse, and neglect.
The Social Crime Prevention Unit (SCPU) of the EMPD has urged community members to exercise additional caution as schools break for the holidays in order to protect their children.
Concerns have been raised about cyberbullying, child abuse and neglect.
“The SCPU officers have ramped up efforts to educate children and parents on various safety programmes,” said EMPD spokesperson Kelebogile Thepa.
“Officers encourage children to turn to police officials for help and advice.”
ALSO READ: EMPD runs by-law operations
Follow these guidelines to safeguard your children’s safety over the school break:
• Urge them never to walk alone but rather in groups.
• They must notify parents of their whereabouts.
• Refrain from communicating with strangers.
• Keep away from parks where people are smoking or consuming alcohol.
• When at home they should ensure that the gates and doors are locked.
• Keep all appliances off when there is load-shedding.
• They shouldn’t leave keys inside the yard when they go somewhere; rather leave the keys with a neighbour.
ALSO READ: Vandalism makes roads unsafe for everyone – EMPD
• They shouldn’t open the door to any agents, whether in uniform or not.
• Parents must keep medication out of reach of children.
• When out at shopping malls, teach your children that should they get lost, they must look for a security guard or go to the closest shop assistant for help.
• Do not leave candles or matches within reach of children.
• Make sure there is trustworthy adult supervision when you are not home.
“On behalf of the EMPD Social Crime Prevention Unit, we wish children a good holiday. Your safety is our concern,” said Thepa.
