During the festive season, efforts must be bolstered to ensure the safety of children, as their protection is everyone’s responsibility.
Ensure children’s safety by implementing these safety hints and precautions, suggests Col. Cherelle Ehlers, police spokesperson in the Northern Cape:
Parents, guardians, care-takers
- Ensure you can see your children and they you whenever they are outside, or are at a public place. Know their whereabouts at all times.
- Do not simply leave your children alone at video arcades, movie theatres, play areas, or other places such as these.
- Point mall or shop security guards or store employees out to children, in case they get separated from you or if they need help.
- Have children memorise your mobile number.
- Set screen time limits, and remind children never to meet up with an online friend.
- Manage privacy and location sharing settings on digital devices.
Children
- Never get into a car with someone you do not know, even if they call you by your name.
- Do not accept gifts or sweets from a person you do not know.
- Never open your front door or gate to people you do not know.
- Always inform your parents on your whereabouts, where you are going and when you will return.
- Your body is private, you have the right to say no.
Report suspicious activities via the My SAPS app, or to 08600-10111.
