A safety guide for peace of mind

• Author: Karishma Dipa
• Published date: 18 December 2021
• Publication title: Saturday Star

AS THE country is experiencing the fourth wave of the coronavirus infections, health authorities have pleaded with the nation to do all they can to keep themselves and their loved ones safe from the deadly virus

A reminder on how to avoid getting infected:

Abide continuously by non-pharmaceutical prevention measures such as regular hand-washing and sanitising, practising social distancing and wearing a mask when in public.

Clean frequently-touched surfaces such as counters, desks, door handles and light switches regularly.

Keep your social gatherings to immediate family if possible or keep them as small as you can.

Where possible, congregate outdoors or in well-ventilated rooms.

Avoid crowded areas such as malls, beaches, restaurants and other entertainment venues.

Spend some time outdoors and get some vitamin D.

Practise a healthy lifestyle by getting regular exercise, eating a balanced diet and drinking enough water.

Sexual abuse safety tips for parents and children

The Teddy Bear Foundation, a non-profit organisation which assists abused children, has offered the following advice to parents for protecting their children.

Parents should adjust the tone of their voice to be as calm as possible when discussing the issue with children so as to alert but not alarm them.

Consider the age of a child when providing information. Younger children will benefit from role-play and repeated conversations. Older children can discuss current events or real situations.

Teach children not to help strangers, accept gifts or sweets from people they don’t know or get into a stranger’s car.

Children should not be using public transport without adult supervision.

Sleepovers at relatives or family friends must be strictly supervised and children must be prepared before they go. If anyone touches them inappropriately, they need to contact you or another responsible adult. Provide the children with contact details of trusted support who they may contact if they require any assistance, in the event that parents are away from home or unavailable.

Be wary of any adult that pays too much attention to your child.

Children should not be sent alone to shops or through deserted areas.

Parents should be aware of what their children are watching or hear- ing and provide them with a plat- form for discussion. They also need to be aware of who their children have contact with on the internet.

If children should go missing in shopping centres, on holiday and from home

If you fear they are missing, take these steps:

Call the police immediately – the first hour is critical.

Remember what they are wearing.

Remember where they have been or talked about going – what were their movements over the last...