A message from the Childcare and Protection Agency, the Ministry of Social Protection

FOUR minutes is not very long, but depending on how you use it, it can make a big difference. You’ve only been reading this for less than fifteen seconds, and already I know you are intrigued to know where this piece of writing is going.
Well, this is an introduction to something new; something that could possibly change your perception, view and knowledge. And it starts here, today.
Every Wednesday, from now until the end of the year, you can read or find something in this corner that will enlighten and perhaps even educate you. Although the information will vary from week to week, the subject matter will remain the same: ‘Protecting our children and the prevention of child abuse’.

A DUTY TO CARE
As adults, we have a duty to care and protect the children in our midst. That means that we must do everything in our power to prevent them being harmed in any way.
We must anticipate the ills that could possibly befall them at every turn, and never take anything for granted where their care is concerned.
For example, we must be especially particular about whom we leave our children with.
Most cases of sexual abuse are perpetrated by a family member, or a family-friend. And although perpetrators are mostly men, women sexually abuse children too. As watchful, caring adults, we must remember that ‘not every smiling face is a friend’, and a child molester (or abuser) is not likely to reveal that part of their personality to you or society.
So, don’t be blind-sided by the apparent kindness or generosity of a person; safeguard your child the best way you know how.

HERE ARE SOME TIPS:
* Teach your child about appropriate and inappropriate touching, so they have a clear idea of what ‘is’ and ‘is not’ allowed.
* Keep the lines of communication and trust open between you and your child. Listen to them carefully, and never accuse them of lying when they tell you something.
* Use your instinct and perception about people who spend time with your child. If something seems ‘off’, or you think something is wrong, then it probably is.
* Rely on your gut feeling. If you have any concerns about someone who is around your child, or who spends time with your child, remove your child if you can. If you can’t, then limit the amount of time your child is exposed to that person.
* Encourage your child to talk about their day; the things that happened; the things they experienced; what people said and did. Listen carefully, so you can build a picture of what goes on in your absence.
* If your child is unhappy, hesitant or nervous to stay somewhere or with someone in particular, don’t force them; make alternative arrangements.

NO NEED TO PANIC
There is no need to become paranoid, but there is always a need to be vigilant, attentive and very, very careful about whom you leave your children with, and in what type of environment.
Most Parents want to see their child grow up to be a confident, level-headed individual who contributes to society. But this does not happen by chance; it happens when parents play an essential role in protecting, guiding and nurturing their child.
It only took four minutes to read this, and I am sure you will agree that is was four minutes well spent.
Four minutes can change the life of a child; let us take our responsibilities towards children seriously, and work together for change.

NEXT WEEK: The Growing Child and how to cope