Protect your children these holidays

As school holidays approach, make sure your children are safe while having fun. “Many parents work through the school holidays, so children are looked after by a family member or domestic worker, or simply stay at home by themselves. Whatever your situation is, children can have a great holiday while staying safe by following some simple advice from mom and dad,” said Charnel Hattingh, national marketing and communications manager at Fidelity ADT.

Safety tips:

* Keep doors locked and don’t let anybody in through the gate without checking with your parents.

* If there is an alarm system teach your children how to activate and de-activate it and how and when to use panic buttons.

* Show them where the list of emergency contacts is – including the 10111 number and Community Crime Prevention Organisation emergency number 083-393-5066 – and explain when and how to use it.

READ ALSO: 10 tips to keep your kids safe these holidays

“If your children have access to the internet and social media sites while you aren’t there, put some rules in place ahead of the holidays.” She suggests:

* Never post any personal information online – like an address, email address, passwords or mobile number.

* Think carefully before posting messages, pictures or videos of yourself. Once you’ve put a picture of yourself online, most people can see it and may be able to download it; it’s not just yours anymore.

* Keep your privacy settings as high as possible.

* Don’t befriend people you don’t know.

* Don’t meet up with people you’ve met online. Your child should always tell you if an online contact they have never met suggests they meet up. Remember that not everyone online is who they say they are.

* If a child sees something online that makes them feel uncomfortable, unsafe or worried, they should leave the website, turn off their computer and tell someone immediately.

READ ALSO: Ensure your child is safe at home

“If you’ve arranged an outing for your children make sure that they are prepared and understand what they are and aren’t allowed to do. If they are heading to malls or restaurants, they need to look after their belongings and to look out for each other. They also need to be clear on the transport arrangements and never go anywhere with a stranger. Tell them to find a security guard in the mall if they are scared or unsure of what to do,” she added.