Child Protection Week:
On a daily basis Honeydew SAPS is assisting children who have become victims of crime. In some of the incidents the parents were unaware of the children’s whereabouts.
Next week is National Child Protection Week: 30 May to 05 June 2011, with the National Theme: “WORKING TOGETHER TO PROTECT OUR CHILDREN”
Child Protection Week is to raise awareness, as well as to mobilise all sectors and communities towards the holistic development and the care and protection of children. The Child Protection Week has become an annual campaign to educate and mobilize communities to put children first.
Herewith Safety info for children, parents and caregivers:
Home Alone…
# For children to be less vulnerable to dangerous situations they must: -
• not be left alone at home or elsewhere where they can become susceptible to abuse, including alcohol and drugs;
• be taught to keep the doors and windows locked and not allow anyone onto the property;
• know their parents’ and the police’s contact numbers;
• know their home street address; and
• know that it’s ok to say NO when they are faced with uncomfortable situations.
# Parents or caretakers of children must -
• be responsible for their children and ensure their safety at all times;
• Keep an open line of communication and trust between them including knowing their children’s friends;
• know that there is NO waiting period to report a person missing;
• keep a close eye on their children at swimming pools (any form of water), busy shopping centres, entertainment facilities;
• assist the police when reporting a missing child, knowing their schedules and movements and make a point of remembering the clothing they are wearing on a daily basis
• Teach children NOT to make prank calls to the emergency number 10111 as this will block a call of someone who is really in need of police assistance.
