Simple tips to keep children safe

ONE of the most savage and terrifying crimes is to lure or take a minor, no matter whether it is a boy or a girl, from the loving arms of its parents or guardians.

Time and time again the headlines scream out the pain, the anguish, the heartache and the utter terror of parents whose children have gone missing.

In the event of a missing minor, communities and government departments do their utmost to recover the child.

There are many mistakes these parents make, but I want to just highlight a few in the event a child goes missing.

When children go about their neighbourhood without supervision, no one takes note or raises concerns.

It is almost seen as normal, or people feel it is not their business, but once that minor goes missing then one and all become concerned, but in most cases it is already too late.

We as parents, family and neighbours must make it our business to report these things and ensure that minors are returned to the care of their families.

The parents must inform minors daily of the safety rules they must comply with, and parents or guardians of minors must immediately stop the big mistake of sending them on errands or tasks outside their supervision.

Rather the parent or another adult should do that errand, and keep the minor or minors in the safety of their home. And there should be a law that forbids minors to be sent on errands or left on their own outside the safety and security of their parents’ view or homes.

We are living in a wicked world where a human animal will pounce on any minor out on the street, and we see time and time again the results of their deadly acts.

A quote by Nelson Mandela: “Safety and security don’t just happen, they are the result of collective consensus and public investment. We owe our children, the most vulnerable citizens in our society, a life free of violence and fear.” KEITH ALFRED ADOLPH BLAKE, Ottery