An Anti-Bullying Child Protection Hotline for Randfontein was launched at Randfontein Primary School (REM) by Toys for Africa on Thursday November 18.
The Randfontein Child Protection Hotline number is 079 803 4340.
According to Danie van Loggerenberg, the project owner of Child Protection Hotline, the Randfontein hotline is a unique number that will be available to children 24/ 7 via SMS, WhatsApp or a phone call.
“The hotline can be used by victims, parents or simply those who are concerned about any form of child abuse, child neglect, grooming or whatever source of persecution against children – anyone concerned is welcome to make contact,” Van Loggerenberg said.
There are no additional costs involved, but normal rates for using airtime and data will apply.
During the launch, learners of REM were further educated on what constituted bullying, what they needed to look out for, and warned about things they should avoid so that they’re not targeted by bullies and abusers.
“We’ve also given them advice on overcoming their distress by coming forward and sharing it with us so that a discussion could be held to find a solution. We also go as far as getting information about their home backgrounds to determine the source of the problem,” Van Loggerenberg said.
He said the Randfontein hotline was the 37th one in the country, and will help children who don’t know where to report any form of abuse they may be subjected to.
“People need to know what to do when they see a child being abused – who to call and why that service specifically – instead of worrying about what to do when a child continues to suffer.”
Van Loggerenberg said the hotlines were started because abused children always felt second-hand and unappreciated, because in most cases abusers were known to them. The hotline will bring them into contact with the right people, some of whom have overcome bullying and abuse themselves, to help them overcome trauma.
