SSS Mhlungu speaks on Child Protection Month
It is the duty and responsibility of everybody to protect children in the society.
It is the duty and responsibility of everybody to protect children in the society.
It is true that the first people to protect children are the parents and guardians.
There are many forms of abuse that we come across and observe, namely, physical, economic, emotional, psychological, and the worst of all, sexual abuse.
I agree that in this day and age it is not easy to cope with some of the developments in the upbringing of a child.
Let me make an example with physical abuse. In the olden days children were given a hiding using either a stick or belt. Over time, the method was used too extensively and unreasonably that it became more of an assault than mere punishment.
Such matters have made many question even the act of spanking a child who has done something wrong.
I personally do not think that there is a problem with that as long as it is done moderately and with love.
Sexual abuse is the worst form of physical abuse that children are being exposed to. Such acts are awful and should not go unpunished by the law. At times, relatives or people very close to these children inflict such acts. Family members often do not report these cases to the police for various reasons such as the perpetrator being the breadwinner for that particular family.
In closing I would like to remind parents and guardians that the best gift they can give to their children is to never quarrel or fight in front of that child. Doing this is a form of both emotional and psychological abuse that parents inflict upon a child.
Such things tend to stay on that particular child’s mind, and also instil a sense of fear in them.
Yes, it is true that children must be disciplined but this must be done a correct manner. We need to refrain from instilling a sense of fear in our children; it should rather be that of respect.
We are currently in June, which is known as Youth Month nation-wide and it is important that we remind our young people about the importance of abstaining from drugs and sexual activities, as they are the future.
Young people must remember that anything and everything they do now will influence their future.
Wishing you all the best.
SSS Mhlungu, your partner in excellence.
Also read: Celebrating National Child Protection week.
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