Central SA
It’s back to school! How to keep children safe─── ZENANDE MPAME 08:43 Wed, 15 Jan 2025
As the school year begins, parents, educators, and communities must prioritize ensuring the safety of children on their way to and from school.
Schools reopened in the country for the 2025 academic year on Wednesday (15/1) and thousands of children will begin new schools and others returning to their old schools in different grades.
Parents can follow several safety tips to ensure their children’s safety while going to school or coming back from school.
When walking to and from school:
- Only walk on the pavement and crosswalks, look both ways before you cross a road.
- Never accept lifts from strangers.
- Don’t use electronic devices or earphones while walking to and from school.
- Always walk to and from school with a friend or friends.
- Stick to streets you know and never take shortcuts through unfamiliar or quiet areas.
Safety tips to ensure the safety of children. Photo: SAPS
“Without a doubt, parents and other caregivers are concerned about their children’s safety when they go to and from school,” said Fidelity Services Group head of communications and marketing Charnel Hattingh.
“The main goal is to ensure that your children understand how to stay safe and what to do if something bad happens to them.”
Northern Cape police have the following safety tips for parents:
- Have regular conversations with your child about school safety, driving practices, and road traffic laws to ensure they understand the road rules.
- Teach your child the proper way to get on and off the school transport.
- Ensure that your child is buckled up when transported to school.
- Draw up a list of important numbers your child can use in an emergency.
- When picking up children at school always remind them to wait inside the school premises.
“The police aims to ensure the protection of all learners from violence, exposure to dangerous weapons, theft, bullying and harassment, and other emergencies during the 2025 school year,” said Northern Cape police spokesperson Timothy Sam.
Often children have to get home and get themselves busy until their parents come back from work, “it is important that children know not to let anyone into the house without your permission,” said Hattingh.
“If you are going to be late, let your children know as soon as possible and give them an idea of when they can expect you to be home.”
Everyone in the household should also know how to use your home security system, children included, and when and how to use the panic buttons, she said.
