Teaching children about their safety

In an effort to better equip learners against some of their daily challenges, the Sandton Child Protection Hotline visited Wendywood Primary School.

Members of the hotline discussed a number of topics, including bullying, how substance abuse can affect young children and the dangers of social media on March 10.

The learners were taught how bullying may be the foundation of many other concerns relating to their behaviour. They were also given tips on how to stand together and overcome bullies.

According to the founder of the Child Protection Hotline Danie van Loggerenberg, it is important for learners to know that it is ok to discuss topics like this.

“We love visiting schools and educating the children on these topics to keep themselves safe. It is a difficult time to be a child, as dangers are lurking all over.”

He added that over the years the dangers facing children have evolved and in turn, so much these discussions about safety.

“A few years ago we could talk about stranger danger and that directly related to someone handing sweets to children and then trying to take them.

“Today so many more challenges are facing children, with online predators sending text messages, messages on social media or on online games and using fake profiles to start conversations.”

The learners at Wendywood Primary were challenged to root out bullying and report any form of bullying to their teachers.

“We need to have open conversations with our children and prepare them for these new dangers, that were not there when we were children,” said van Loggerenberg.

The Sandton Child Protection Hotline is available 24/7 via SMS, WhatsApp or phone call on 079 687 3537.

ALSO READ:

https://www.citizen.co.za/sandton-chronicle/305569/sandton-child-protection-hotline-hits-the-ground- running/#:~:text=Sandton%20Child%20Protection%20Hotline%20%E2%80%93%20079%20687%203537

https://www.citizen.co.za/sandton-chronicle/295281/child-protection-week-a-ccall-to-end-violence-against-children/