Children are indeed a nation?s most precious asset

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ghanaian children
children

It is quite disheartening and heartbreaking to wake up one day to realize that the child you dearly called your own is no more. Well it is more devastating knowing that this child did not pass on to eternity naturally but through inhuman means, as was allegedly reported of an eight-year-old boy who was beheaded with private parts removed and the decapitated body damped at a school compound at Dansoman, a suburb of Accra.

ghanaian childrenChildren are indeed a nation?s most precious asset and as vulnerable as they are, they often lack the necessary skills to protect themselves from wicked people. Hence, it is the responsibility of the nation, parents, teachers and the public in general, to safeguard the utmost security and welfare of all children. Physically, socially, morally, educationally, mentally or spiritually, they need to be shielded from any treatment that detracts them from developing. Whilst the nation puts in place certain structures and mechanisms to protect these innocent ones, parents to whom these children entrusted have a greater responsibility to teach them the basic skills to safety and security.

Although this is not the first time this is happening, this form of atrocious act against individuals, especially children, must discontinue, and I believe one of the most effective ways to nip the situation in the bud as parents, is to constantly educate your children on effective personal safety skills and techniques. As we often do, a child?s ability to comprehend and practise safety skills cannot be underestimated since they are able to apply them wisely when the need arises.

There is no best time to start educating children on personal safety issues, but it is always recommended to do so the moment they are physically and intellectually sound enough to be able to understand and be understood. A time when they are able to interact and mingle with other siblings and children normally, is quite ideal.? Once they are capable of initiating or engaging in any active discussion of interest, it is not inappropriate to coach or educate them on personal safety.

The following may be of great importance to parents and guardians.

Communication

Parents must learn and develop the habit of listening to their children through an open communication system, where children can conveniently communicate with you on any issue.? Attentiveness from parents is often required to at least know who the child talks to and what information is available to your child. This can be achieved by doing less talking and encouraging him/her to talk more. In this case, you are able assess your own child through effective and good communication techniques and skills. Children may not always come to you to engage you in a conversation, perhaps due to your busy schedules and activities. Rather initiate the conversation when possible at meal times, before bed, on the way to and from school, during household chores and any opportunity available.

Constant Monitoring

Parents must at all times know the whereabouts of their children, especially by getting acquainted with their daily activities and habits. As parents, you can set boundaries on places where they must visit and where they must not, who they should accommodate or be unfriendly with, what they must do and what they must not, and so on and so forth. If your child is fond of visiting one particular person, friend, teacher, relation, at any least opportunity, you must develop the interest in knowing for yourself what he does with that person.

School Safety?

If your child is old enough to go to school without any assistance; be sure he/she gets to school and not any other place. Know his/her regular routes and the likely dangers associated with those routes in order to advise accordingly. In situations where children are assisted to school, you must avoid sending different people to pick them from schools. If you have to let someone pick him/her, inform the authorities and be sure you have spoken to the right person.

Church Safety ????

Latter part of last year, children were being kidnapped from churches until the police busted the syndicates who were behind this. As we pray that we do not revisit such times, we must also be on the lookout for some of these criminals as they may not resurface using the previous modus operandi.? Since we all cannot predict, parents must be careful not to leave their children under the care of people they least know or trust in churches. Again try to find out more about people who for no reason try to get too close to you or your child.

Accepting Gifts????

Gifts are good but the motive behind them is what we do not know. As the saying goes, ?There is no free lunch.? People, especially children, must be encouraged to refuse gifts from people they barely know. Teach them to bring every gift given them to the house untouched. Be suspicious of people who constantly give your children gifts and find out why they do so. Trust your instincts on any doubt and ask questions.

Internet Safety

Technology and internets we know have a lot of advantages and disadvantages. It only becomes a demon to your child when you allow their use without strict supervision. You sometimes visit the internet caf?s and you are alarmed with the number of very young ones busily browsing the internet not for learning purposes, but for games, social networking, visiting pornographic sites and other similar platforms. Have you for a moment thought of the dangers associated with this technology if parents fail to supervise children on its use? Parents must be strict with their rules on the internet use at home, especially whether you are computer or internet literate or not. Always keep your child?s computer in an open place, disallow or disconnect any internet connectivity to your children?s room. Instead, let your child develop interest in useful online materials and resources. Also educate them on internet risks and dangers you know.

Friends & Relationships

The same ways as we desire to make friends and develop good relationships with people, so are children too. However, our abilities to distinguish between good and bad friends vary from those of children. Children are not able to tell who is there to exploit, harm or abuse them. All you need to constantly drum into their ears is that, responsible adults do not establish relationships with minors.

There cannot be any substitute for your child?s supervision and attention and so let it be a priority to safeguard the safety your child at all times.

BY ASP Effia Tenge

[email protected]

Note?

FOR ANY INFORMATION ON CRIME AND POLICE ASSISTANCE, CALL NATIONAL CRIMEFIGHTERS NUMBERS:??

0302 773695??? 0302 773906?

MTN & VODAFONE TOLL FREE: 18555?

191(VODAFONE/EXPRESSO/AIRTEL ?& TIGO)?? ?

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