The continuous, often fatal attacks in South African schools are a major source of anxiety for many parents, government officials, and educators.
This follows the stabbing death of a grade 10 student at Geluksdal Secondary School in Brakpan, east of Johannesburg, after a brawl with fellow students on Thursday.
Frank Rumboll, the headmaster of The Ridge School, recommended that parents urge their students to always prioritize safety on and off school grounds.
“In 2023, safety awareness for youngsters is more important than ever. While all measures must be made to protect a child’s safety, the most important factor nowadays is awareness. The responsibility for raising awareness lies with parents and schools, according to Rumboll.
“The significance of feeling safe to a child’s growth and development cannot be emphasized. A lack of safety, concerns about bullying, and low teacher standards might have a poor effect on learning.
When a youngster feels safe and learns in a good and secure setting, they are more motivated and open to new concepts.
For children’s general safety, Rumboll emphasized the significance of open communication, healthy relationships, and the development of courage.
“Protecting children’s safety should be a key priority for all those involved in their lives. Parents, educators, and communities must establish a safe environment for children to flourish so that each kid can attain his or her full potential.
Rumboll’s advice on safety:
It is essential for parents to speak with their children as frequently as possible and to listen to them whenever they have something to say. Create an environment where your youngster can communicate freely and without fear of criticism.
Encourage children’s self-assurance and bravery by: A child that is fully developed, courageous, confident, and fearless has the best chance of being safe. A child who is shy, apprehensive, and terrified of his or her own voice is more likely to be hazardous.
Stay knowledgeable about online safety and install protection measures on devices. Social media poses additional safety concerns, such as youngsters portraying a different persona online and communicating in secret, which is difficult for parents and schools to manage. However, keeping abreast of digital trends and events and ensuring kid safety mechanisms on gadgets can go a long way toward creating a safe environment for your child.
Incorporate safety awareness throughout the curriculum. Among these is the integration of safety consciousness into the curriculum.
As a child, having open and good interactions with significant individuals in your life, such as your parents and teachers, can aid in your protection. Open communication with these key stakeholders might prevent you from feeling alone.
Children can be encouraged to create a community where everyone feels comfortable and looks out for one another by speaking up and speaking out. Being a member of a community where you feel welcome and at home can enhance your confidence to speak up.
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