Winter holidays: How to keep your kids entertained AND safe
Some valuable hints and tips parents can share with their children regarding the winter school holidays.
For many children the July/ August school holidays are a welcome break, but for many parents – who have to work throughout – it is a stressful period of constantly wondering if their children and teenagers are 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 always keep entry and exit doors locked, and that nobody is to enter the property without your permission,” said Agnieszka Gryn, the Regional Executive for Fidelity ADT.
“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.”
Agnieszka added that it is a good idea to have a list of emergency contacts – including the 10111 number – near the telephone and to explain to children when and how it must be used.
The cold weather means that older children are often confined indoors and that boredom quickly sets in, so they spend a lot of time online. Agnieszka said teaching your children to stay safe online is essential.
Here are some valuable hints and tips parents can share with their children:
• Never post any personal information online – like an address, email address or mobile number.
• Think carefully before posting 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 – it’s not just yours any more.
• Keep your privacy settings as high as possible.
• Never give out your passwords.
• Don’t befriend people you don’t know.
• 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.
• Think carefully about what you say before you post something online.
• Respect other people’s views, even if you don’t agree with them, and don’t be rude.
• If children see something online that makes them feel uncomfortable, unsafe or worried: they should leave the website, turn off their computer and tell someone immediately.
She added, “Teenagers should also be cautious when waiting for transport to shopping malls or going out at night. Malls and restaurants 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. Teach your children to hold on tightly to their handbags, wallets and cellphones.”
And finally here are some additional security tips if you are going away for the holidays:
• Inform your neighbours and Neighbourhood Watch of your holiday plans so that they can keep an eye on your property.
• If hiring a house-sitter, ensure that you teach them how to use your alarm correctly.
• If you don’t have a house-sitter, ask a neighbour or a friend to turn on lights occasionally so that there is a sense that someone is around. If this is not possible, consider putting your outside lights on a timer.
• Double check that you have locked and secured all windows and doors before leaving home.
• Turn off your geyser and any unnecessary electrical appliances so you can save on electricity and be environmentally friendly.
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