Child protection and safety tips

Chitra Bodisang, who is the ER24 spokesman, offers 10 tips to parents on how they can protect their children, especially considering the challenges faced by children and the youth of today.

Chitra advises the following:

• Get to know your children. “A close relationship or bond with your children helps them know that they can come to you should they have any problems,” says Chitra.

• “Parents need to be hands-on and discuss topics like drug use, alcohol abuse, sex and peer pressure,” says Chitra.

Educate your children about the dangers they face.

• Teach children not to go anywhere alone, especially to secluded areas or anywhere with a stranger. “Even if approached by someone they know, children should obtain parents’ permission first before going anywhere with anyone,” says Chitra.

Children should know that, should they feel unsafe around someone, they should try to run away and scream to get the attention of other people who may be around them.

• Ensure a healthy family environment.

Chitra says, “A home is a place where a child should feel safe and loved.”

• Never leave children unattended or in an unsafe environment.

“If your children are left in the care of someone else while you are at work for example, ensure the person can be trusted,” says Chitra

• Ensure that your children know their names, your name and who to contact in case of an emergency.

• Teach your children about responsibility. Put reasonable rules in place but also remember not to be overprotective.

• Pay attention to your children, listen to them, spend time with them and let them know that you care.

Parents need to be involved in their children’s lives.

• Pay attention to any changes in personality or attitude.

This could signal if there is anything wrong.

• Teach children about the dangers of social media, the internet and cellular phones.

“This will help them be aware of any predators,” says Chitra.