Among the most hateful crimes are the ones you commit on weak. Children, the most vulnerable group has always been on high risk. The kind of inhumane children has to bear is beyond imagination.
The story of 5 years old girl who is raped and thrown like a trash bag in Lahore has disturbed me so much. To my wonder, the group of men who did this vile act walked away like nothing has happened. It seems like police and government machinery is in full action which I really admire. Everyone is hoping that police can arrest those men and give them the strenuous punishment ever.
How can we save our children from such hideous monsters who are around us? Government, law enforcement and parents should work collectively to keep our children safe.
Talking about the role of parents, their most important role is to protect their children from abuse and neglect. Children depend on adults as they grow up. Parents, relatives, teachers and society can play an important role to protect children under their supervision.
In such society where child abuse is common, parents have to be very vigilant. They need to be alert all the time. I request them to let children go and play at an eye`s distance. They are your most precious possession, you are the guardians. Do not leave them unattended for even a single second. Do not let them play outside when you cannot keep an eye on them. Spend more time and create small things to engage them at home. In short do not leave your child unwatched and leave him/her in an unsafe place.
Following small precautions can be very helpful.
- Communicate with your child and teach them what to do in such situation. The purpose is to prepare them without creating any fear.
- Tell them not to go anywhere with not only strangers but any family member without telling mummy or daddy.
- Tell them not have any secrets and do not go anywhere alone.
- Stay with your friends and places you know whether you are at home or school. Let Mummy-daddy know where you are.
On the other hand if a parent is leaving their child with a relative or care taker make sure they are responsible enough to give the right attention and care. Call them couple of times to make sure if your child is doing ok. Talk to your child on phone and ask him/her if everything is aright.
Teachers should not let children leave the school alone. Every school should develop a policy that a parent, relative or care taker has to pick the child till middle school. If every school educate teachers about basics of child protection, they can play an important role in educating parents as well.
In last every member of society should keep an eye on their surroundings, if you see any suspicious behaviour step in and interfere. Support children as they are bearer of your future.
“There can be no keener revelation of a society’s soul than the way in which it treats its children”. Nelson Mandela
AmnaB 