Child safety tips for parents in public spaces

Prioritising children’s safety should be every parent’s rule especially when going out to public spaces like restaurants.

It appears children are not safe anymore, looking at social media posts of children reported missing almost every day.

In a recent incident, a six-year-old girl was allegedly raped in the restroom of a popular restaurant in Pretoria on Saturday.

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The girl was playing in the children’s area of a restaurant in Silverton on her own and it is alleged her predator was watching her all along.

The 21-year-old man reportedly followed her when she went to the bathroom where the alleged incident happened.

Childline South Africa has always been about protecting children to make the environment safe for them.

“Let your children know they can talk to you or call Childline, on 08000 55 555, if anyone should say or do anything that makes them feel embarrassed or uncomfortable in any way,” said Childline SA.

Below are tips for keeping children safe in the children’s play area:

– Adult supervision is the most important: The easiest way to keep your child safe at the playground is to keep your eye on them. Toddlers should be “shadowed” by an adult either on or very close to the structure, while older children should be minded from a safe distance.

– Make sure the playground is safe: Another way to minimise risk is to ensure your child is playing in a secure environment. Trust your instincts, if the playground looks uncared for, it probably is.

– Sit close to play area: If possible make sure you sit close to the play area so you can keep an eye on your child(ren) at all times.

– Go with other people: It advisable that you go with someone else so that you can take turns in keeping an eye on the young ones. Opt for restaurants that have adult workers in their play area for supervision.

Original author: Felicia Nkhwashu (Pretoria East Record)