The Children’s Authority of Trinidad and Tobago encourages parents and guardians to maintain the positive practices that kept their children safe during the school term. This as children will soon be on vacation for the Christmas and New Year holidays.
Mr. Sheldon Cyrus, Director/Chief Executive Officer of the Authority, reminds parents to “keep children a priority, despite the lengthy to-do lists and all the associated activities of the festive season.” The Authority’s data continues to show that neglect is the highest reported type of abuse and that inattention by parents can leave children vulnerable.
According to Mr. Cyrus “it is easy for parents to get caught up in the preparations for Christmas but they must not be distracted from their primary duty as caregivers.” He also points out that children should never be given alcohol, as it impairs judgement and makes them an even easier target for abusers.”
The Authority advises parents and guardians to ensure that children have adequate time to rest and play if they are included in holiday cleaning. Appropriate behaviour for both children and adults should be discussed before any outings, including family gatherings. Children should be taught about consent and that it’s okay to say “no” to unwanted hugs, kisses, or other affection, even from family members. The following are some 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.
● Be aware of your child’s online activity.
● Teach children about road safety.
● Teach your child not to accept gifts, food, snacks or anything from strangers.
● Remind children of emergency contact numbers and what should be done in case of an emergency.
● Children should know their name, their age, your name and address and who they should go to for help if they are lost.
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.
