Children’s Authority Urges Continues Commitment to Child Safety During The School Holidays

The Children’s Authority of Trinidad and Tobago is urging parents and guardians to continue their commitment to child safety during the July/August school vacation. While the holiday period often brings more relaxed schedules, the focus on supervision should be maintained.

The Authority advises that active supervision of children, whether indoor or outdoor, is a critical element of child protection. While the use of technology may appear to be a safer, cost-effective alternative to activities outside of the home, parents are reminded that a high level of vigilance is still required. The internet presents risks that include children being exposed to inappropriate content, online predators and cyberbullying. Parents are encouraged to know who their children are communicating with online, discuss internet safety regularly and use available parental controls where appropriate.

Parents are also encouraged to carefully assess any childcare arrangements during the holiday period. Children should only be left in the care of a trusted adult and never with older siblings, who are themselves children. All camps and vacation programmes should be thoroughly researched and parents should familiarise themselves with the supervision arrangements and emergency procedures. Before children attend, it’s essential that parents speak to their children about personal safety and what to do in the event of an emergency.

Parents and guardians are also reminded that children should never be allowed to venture into or around bodies of water without responsible adult supervision. Keep a watchful eye on children when at the beach, river or pool.

Here are some additional tips to help families have a safe and enjoyable vacation:

• 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.
• Monitor your child’s friendships, especially where adults repeatedly attempt to spend time alone with your child, away from others.
• Ask about sleeping arrangements and who frequents the household, when children are spending time away from home.
• Teach children about road safety.
• Teach your child not to accept gifts, 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 communication with your child so they feel comfortable telling you if they are worried, feel unsafe or if someone has made them feel uncomfortable.

We all have a duty to keep our children safe as “child protection is everybody’s business”. The public is reminded to report any incident or suspicion of abuse to the Police at 999 or the Authority at 996.