Parkview police’s Sergeant Iris Phoko and a representative from City Of Johannesburg Community Safety Department Matsi April visited various schools to educate children on the importance of keeping themselves safe these holidays.
Part of their talk touched on bullying and the implications it may have, such as depression in a child who is being bullied.
“I want children to know that they can trust the police. We are here to protect them, they must trust us and come to us if there is something wrong,” said Phoko. She added that children, however, should make sure they approached uniformed police officials and marked police cars only, as this way they could ensure their own safety.
Two of the schools that they visited included Greenside Primary School and Greenside Nursery School.
“During the school holidays please make sure that the children do not talk to any strangers or enter their cars,” said Phoko. She went on to explain that it was imperative for adults to know where their children were at all times to ensure their safety. Also, children should never accept sweets, money or ice cream from a stranger.
April reminded the children about their personal space and to make sure no person violated it by touching them inappropriately. She added that a family member such as an uncle or aunt should also respect their personal space and should not be touching their private parts. If their private space is being violated they should contact the police or Childline immediately.
She concluded the talk by reminding the children of the contact numbers for the police and Childline by making them recite it.
Details: Parkview Police Station 011 486 5000; Childline 08000 555 55.
