RANDBURG – For kids, the three-week long mid-year school holiday is a welcome break, but for many parents who have to work throughout, it is a stressful period of constantly wondering if your child is safe.
There are some basic and practical safety precautions parents can share with their children – regardless of whether they are left with a caregiver, domestic staff or stay at home by themselves.
“It is important that they know to keep entry and exit doors locked, and that no one is to enter the home without your permission,” says Clive Humphrey, managing director of ADT Security Central Region. “If you have a home security system installed, teach them how to activate and de-activate it and how and when to use other security devices like panic buttons.”
He adds that it is a good idea to have a list of emergency contacts – including the 10111 number – near the telephone and to explain to them when and how it must be used.
The cold weather means that older children are often confined indoors and that boredom quickly sets in. The usual solution: wanting to visit a friend who lives in the neighbourhood. If you are not able to drop your child off or arrange a lift for them, Humphrey suggests that you walk the route with them before they have to do it on their own. Explain that it is better to take a longer route down familiar streets where there is more activity than taking short-cuts across fields or through deserted areas or roads.
Make sure that they know to call you to let you know when they are about to leave home, and again, once they have arrived at their friend’s home. If while walking they find themselves in an unfamiliar street, they should look out for a police or security officer and never talk to or take advice or a ride from a stranger.
Shopping malls are far busier during the holidays and a popular hang-out for older kids. If your child is going to a movie or to meet friends, they need to look after their belongings and to look out for each other. Busy malls present a prime opportunity for pick-pockets. Teach your children to hold on tightly to their handbags, wallets and cellphones.
It is also important that, if they become separated from their friends, they head straight to the mall information desk or to security and try to track them down from there.
