As the school year ends, the Children’s Authority of Trinidad and Tobago, urges parents and guardians to keep children safe during the school holidays.
The Authority notes that children are more vulnerable to accidents, harm and abuse during vacation periods, as a result of their changed routines, and a general lack of adequate supervision and caregiver awareness. Therefore, parents and guardians are encouraged to make suitable arrangements for the care of their children during the July-August vacation.
While holiday and sporting camps provide excellent vacation activities, parents and guardians should enquire from organisers about safety measures being implemented to keep children safe from abuse. The Authority notes that teaching children how to protect themselves from abuse is important. Parents and guardians should also keep an open line of communication, so children feel comfortable disclosing any incidents that may have occurred.
Over the past seven years, the Authority has noted that over 70 percent of all reports received, fall within the categories of sexual abuse, physical abuse, emotional abuse and neglect, with children under the age of 13 being the most vulnerable. Parents and guardians, therefore, are encouraged to be mindful of the following, as they seek to keep their children safe:
• 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 affection, even from family members.
• Know who is supervising your child.
• Ask about sleeping arrangements and who frequents the household, when children are spending time away from home.
• Be aware of your child’s online activity.
• Monitor your child’s friendships, especially with adults who repeatedly attempt to spend time alone with your child, away from others.
• Utilise non-physical forms of discipline to reduce incidents of physical abuse.
• Keep a watchful eye on children at the beach, river and pool, and secure open containers of water at home.
• Teach children about road safety.
• Ensure that potential hazards at home are well-stored and kept out of the reach of children.
• Remind children of emergency contact numbers and what should be done in case of an emergency.
• Safely participate in the various fun and sporting activities offered for children during the vacation time!
For more tips, go to the Authority’s Facebook page or contact the National Family Services Division, Ministry of Social Development and Family Services at 623-2608 ext. 6701 to 6711.
The public is reminded that “child protection is everybody’s business.” Therefore, we all have a duty to keep our children safe and to report any incident or suspicion of abuse to the Police at 999 or the Authority at 996.