Holiday fun free from worry

The school holidays are here, so it is time to ensure your kids are safe while having fun.

“Many parents work through the school holidays, so kids are looked after by a family member, domestic worker, or simply stay home alone. Whatever your situation, kids can have a great holiday while staying safe by following advice from mom and dad,” said Charnel Hattingh, group head of marketing and communications at Fidelity ADT.

She offers these pointers:

• Keep doors locked, and don’t let anybody through the gate without checking with their parents.

• If there is an alarm system, teach them how to activate and de-activate it and how and when to use panic buttons.

• Show them where the list of emergency contacts is – including the 10111 number – and explain when and how to use it.

“If your kids have access to the internet and social media sites while you aren’t there, put some rules in place ahead of the holidays,” she suggested.

• Never post personal information like an address, email address, password or cellphone number online.

• Think carefully before posting messages, pictures or videos of yourself. Once you’ve put a picture of yourself online, most people can see it and may be able to download it, so it’s not just yours anymore.

• Keep your privacy settings on devices as high as possible.

• Don’t befriend strangers.

• Don’t meet up with people you’ve met online. Your child should always tell you if an online contact they have never met suggests they meet up. Remember that not everyone online is who they say they are.

• If a child sees something online that makes them uncomfortable, unsafe or worried, they should leave the website, turn off their computer and immediately tell someone.

“If you’ve arranged an outing for your kids, ensure they are prepared and understand what they are and aren’t allowed to do. If they are heading to malls or restaurants, they must look after their belongings and look out for each other. They must be clear on the transport arrangements and never go anywhere with a stranger. Tell them to find a security guard in the mall if they are scared or unsure what to do,” she said.

“Let’s make this a fun, incident-free holiday time,” concluded Hattingh.