Protecting children is everyone’s duty

I AM shocked at how irresponsibly school’s administration is handling the accusations that schools repeatedly failed to report to the police learners’ complaints of sexual assault and misconduct by teachers, principals and now even security guards.

The government’s primary responsibility is to protect its people, especially our children. That is why we have a moral duty to hold the sexual offenders accountable and prevent these cases.

Child predators often seek out positions that provide them access to, and power over, children. A predator hired as a teacher, principal or a person of authority at a school, is the “wolf in sheep’s clothing”, just waiting to attack our children.

There are too many cases where schools, when faced with teachers and principals who stand accused of sexual or other misconduct by students, have sought the resignation of the teachers rather than an investigation.

Why? To avoid public disclosure of the misconduct. That means a potential predator could arrive at another school and continue to abuse children.

It is up to us to ensure our children grow up in environments that build confidence, friendship, security and happiness, irrespective of a person’s family circumstances or background.

Keeping children safe from harm requires a vigilant and informed community. Child protection policy must be based on the principle of partnership and shared responsibility.

A toll-free line for pupils to report sexual abuse in schools is needed. The challenge of protecting children is everyone’s responsibility – parents, schools, communities, governments and businesses.

NAAZNEEN MOTALA

Sherwood