With the JAVA officially underway, parents and guardians are being urged to remain vigilant with child-care arrangements and activities.
It reminds that children should only be left in the care of a trusted adult and never with older siblings, who are themselves children.
It also advises thorough research on all camps and vacation programmes with regard to supervision arrangements and emergency procedures.
Children should also be educated on personal safety and what to do in the event of an emergency.
Children should also never be allowed to venture into or around bodies of water without responsible adult supervision
As for activities, the Authority says while technology may appear to be a safe, cost-effective alternative to activities outside the home, a high level of vigilance is still needed.
It reminds of internet-related risks such as inappropriate content, online predators and cyberbullying.
Additional tips:
- Teach children OK and Not OK touches and that their body is their own and no one has a right to touch their body.
- Teach children that it’s okay to say “no” to unwanted hugs, kisses, or other affecon, even from family members.
- Monitor your child’s friendships, especially where adults repeatedly atempt to spend me alone with your child, away from others.
- Ask about sleeping arrangements and who frequents the household, when children are spending me away from home.
- Teach children about road safety.
- Teach your child not to accept gis, food, snacks or anything from strangers.
- Ensure your child knows their full name, age, address, the name of a parent or guardian, and who they can approach for help, if they become lost.
- Maintain an open line of communicaon with your child so they feel comfortable telling you if they are worried, feel unsafe or if someone has made them feel uncomfortable.
