The festive season is a time of joy, family gatherings and holiday traditions – but it also brings increased risks for children, especially in crowded public spaces and at home.
Parents are urged to exercise extra caution to keep their children safe over the holidays, says Charnel Hattingh, Fidelity Services group head of marketing and communications.
With schools closed and parents often at work, many children may find themselves at home for longer periods.Hattingh warns that children can easily face dangerous situations if they are not properly prepared.
“A child who is at home on their own may be confronted with burglars or strangers at the gate. It’s essential they understand what to do if someone they don’t know comes to the door or gate,” she explains.
Safety rules children must remember at homeParents are encouraged to reinforce these key safety habits:
• Never open the door or gate for anyone they don’t know, even if the visitor claims it’s urgent or says they were sent by a parent or neighbour.
• Avoid engaging in long conversations with strangers through windows, doors, or security gates.
• Never reveal that they are home alone. Instead, they can say: “My parent can’t come to the door right now.”
• Be cautious with food or parcel deliveries, as delivery personnel can be targeted by criminals – opening the gate can create an opportunity for intruders.
• If the home is equipped with an alarm system, ensure children know how to arm and disarm it and understand how and when to use panic buttons.
Show children where the emergency contact list is kept, including 10111, and explain how and when to call for help. Hattingh adds that apart from criminal risks, children may face emergencies such as fires or medical issues.
“If children are entirely alone at home, parents must cover all possible scenarios and ensure they have some form of all-day security monitoring.”
If a domestic worker or au pair is responsible for the children, they must also follow strict safety protocols and know basic first aid.
Building a safer home environmentKey home security basics include remote security monitoring, secure access control, and fire detection systems.Caregivers and children must be trained on how the home’s security system works and understand what to do in emergencies.
Additional safety tips for childrenParents should also teach children the following:
• Stay alert. Don’t walk around with your phone out or headphones on, especially in public spaces like malls.
• Move in groups and always arrange safe transport when going out or returning home.
• Don’t engage with strangers. Criminals often use deceptive tactics, such as pretending to need a phone for an emergency.
• Keep security gates locked at all times and remove the keys.
• Report suspicious vehicles or people to a parent immediately. Parents can ask the security company to investigate.
Swimming pool safetyHattingh highlights that pools remain a major risk during the holidays.
“Drowning is a leading cause of accidental death in young children. We should teach young children that water can be dangerous, just like cars,” she says.
Children should never go near a swimming pool without an adult present, and this rule should be reinforced regularly.
As families prepare to unwind and enjoy the festive season, Hattingh reminds parents of one final important truth:
“Your children are precious gifts. While everyone wants to relax, you should never relax personal safety and security routines.”
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