IT’S Child Protection Week from June 1 to 8 June.
There’s no doubt that the majority of people love their children unconditionally but every now and then we hear cases of extreme child abuse and child neglect. Take for example the seven-week-old Gauteng infant who was found to have three broken ribs, a fractured knee and brain injuries.
The baby’s 26-year-old father and 25-year-old were arrested two weeks ago after medical staff at Linmed Netcare Hospital, who had been treating the child for bronchiolitis, alerted authorities to the child’s injuries. And while some parents (myself included) believe that a good spanking every now and then does more good than harm, there are parents who are not worthy of that name.
“Sonke Gender Justice, a non-profit organisation that works across civil society to promote gender equality, prevent domestic and sexual violence, and reduce the spread and impact of HIV and AIDS is calling on parents and caregivers to cease spanking during this month.
“As part of our Positive Discipline campaign, we are reminding parents and caregivers that even the so-called “little slaps” can he harmful to children’s development, and that there are better ways to discipline children. Please help us encourage positive discipline by using this week to promote the message of suspending spanking and trying out positive techniques instead. Our experts can provide you with more information about alternative techniques for discipline at different ages,” the organisation said in a statement.
