Children's Authority urges safety of children during holidays

News Newsday Reporter 23 Hrs Ago

Children's Authority CEO Sheldon Cyrus. -

The Children’s Authority is encouraging parents and guardians to maintain the positive practices that kept their children safe during the school term.

In a media release on December 11, on the eve of the start of the Christmas and New Year holidays for students, Sheldon Cyrus, director/CEO of the authority, reminded parents to “keep children a priority, despite the lengthy to-do lists and all the associated activities of the festive season.”

The authority said its data continues to show that neglect is the highest reported type of abuse and that inattention by parents can leave children vulnerable.

Cyrus said, “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 noted that children should never be given alcohol, as it impairs judgement and makes them an even easier target for abusers.

The authority advised parents and guardians to ensure that children have adequate time to rest and play if they are included in holiday cleaning. It said appropriate behaviour for both children and adults should be discussed before any outings, including family gatherings.

It said 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 authority reminded the public that “child protection is everybody’s business” and we all have a duty to keep children safe and to report any incident or suspicion of abuse to the Police at 999 or the authority at 996.

Children's Authority holiday tips:

● Teach children what is appropriate and inappropriate 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.