December is synonymous with sunshine, fun and of course, school holidays!
The year-end holidays are a welcome break for children, but for parents who have to work during this time, it could be very stressful as they are constantly worried about the safety of their children.
ADT Security offers tips for basic and practical safety precautions parents can share with their children. These tips can be used, regardless of whether they are staying home alone, with a caregiver or domestic staff.
– Children should be taught to keep entry and exit doors locked at all times and that nobody is allowed to enter the property without your permission
– If you have a home security system installed, ensure your children know how to activate and deactivate it. They should also know how to use the other security devices, such as panic buttons
– Explain to your children when and how emergency numbers should be used. Have a list of all emergency contacts – including 10111 – near the telephone
– You should walk the route to a friend’s house with your children before allowing them to visit that friend. They must always let you know exactly when they leave the house and when they arrive there. Explain to them that it is better to use a slightly longer route down familiar streets where there is more activity, than taking short cuts through fields and deserted areas
– Your children will definitely watch a lot of television and use the computer to go online. You should ensure that parental control settings as well as privacy settings are on the highest level possible. It is important that they know they should never post any personal information online – address, email address or a mobile number. Teach them that, if they see something online that makes them uncomfortable, unsafe or worried, they should immediately leave the website, turn off the computer and tell somebody
By teaching your children these basic precautions, you will ensure your holiday – as well as theirs – is jolly and filled with fun.
Do you perhaps have more information pertaining to this story? Email us at roodepoortrecord@caxton.co.za (remember to include your contact details) or phone us on 011 955 1130.
For free daily local news on the West Rand, also visit our sister newspaper websites
Remember to visit our Facebook, Twitter and Instagram pages to let your voice be heard!
