As learners across the community return to school over the next two weeks, the South African Police Service (SAPS) warns parents to be extra vigilant.
Parents are encouraged to help their children understand the importance of ‘stranger danger’ and being aware of their surroundings.
In a statement on social media, the police encouraged parents to refrain from writing their child’s name on their backpack where it is visible for everyone to see.
According to law enforcement, adults who prey on children have tricks to gain a child’s trust, this includes calling him or her by their name.
“It is often difficult for children to separate strangers from acquaintances, and even good guys from the bad guys. If an adult comes up to them and says their name, it may make the child think the person must be someone they know or their parent knows.”
Children might think that it is okay to speak to a stranger who knows their name.
Parents are encouraged to write down their phone numbers instead as this will prove to be more helpful if anything is lost or stolen.
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