Christmas and New Year is apparently a season of happiness, relaxation, mirth, and coming together. The season of festivities excites the little ones, and they eagerly await this season in terms of visits, functions, outings, playdates, sleepovers, and more of screen time. However, these are cherished and wonderful experiences, they also invite greater risk of safeguarding.
The safety and welfare of every child are always at the forefront of what we do. Safeguarding does not finish as soon as the end of the school day and the beginning of the holidays. It becomes even more important as soon as a festive time starts because there are changes in the patterns. Typically, some parents get slack on supervision. It is a combined responsibility to safeguard children from all kinds of abuse(physical, verbal, sexual, emotional, as well as cyber).
Reasons for Increased Vigilance During Festive Periods
During holidays, children:
Spend more time away from their usual routines
Interact with a wider circle of adults and older children
Attend social gatherings, parties, and religious functions
Sleeping over at relatives’ or family friends´ homes
• Increased access to phones, televisions, and the internet
These situations have nothing wrong with them. They need to be carefully protected to ensure that children are safe and sound.
What can be done by the parents?
1. Know Where Your Child Is and Who They Are With.
“Always be clear about:”
WHERE YOUR CHILD IS GOING
Who will be in attendance (adults and children)
When entering the agreement to have sleepovers and stay overs, it’s important to communicate openly with the host families. Asking questions isn’t rude. It’s simply being a good parent.
2. Educating Children on Body Safety
Right from a tender age, children should know that:
Correct names of body parts
That their body belongs to them
The difference between safe and unsafe touch
That no one can ask them to keep any secrets about touching.
Let your child know they can always talk to you, and they won’t get into trouble if they tell the truth.
3. Promote Open Communication
Make a setting where your child feels comfortable to speak out without fear, shame, or punishment. Ask probing questions such as:
“How was your day?”
“Did anything make you uncomfortable?”
“What was the best part of today?”
Listening carefully and considering every single concern.
4. Monitor Screen Time and Internet Usage
Holiday seasons may bring additional screen use. Parents can:
Establish boundaries regarding device usage
Control phones, tablets, and TVs through parental controls
Place media in shared spaces, not bedrooms.
Video games, videos, and social media content monitoring.
Children ought to be protected against exposure to pornography, violence, murders, robbery, and other inappropriate content that may affect their emotional and mental well-being.
5. Be Alert for Behavioral Changes
Sudden changes can be an indicator of trouble for the child. To be alert for:
Backing away or silence
Aggression or Fearfulness
Nightmares or Bed wetting
Loss of appetite or changes in mood
If something does not feel right, trust your instincts and seek help as soon as possible.
6. Establish Clear Boundaries with Family & Friends
“Cultural familiarity must never be placed above child protection.”
Do not encourage forced hugging/kissing.
Make sure children are not left alone with unsupervised adults
If any behavior makes you or your child unhappy
SPEAK UP!
7. Model Respectful Behavior
Children learn through example. Treat the child gently, and avoid using derogatory language, yelling, and threats, and resolve any disputes in a peaceful manner. Psychological and verbal abuse can be as damaging as physical abuse.
Newfield School is an institution that prioritizes safeguarding. It is not just an action but an ideal. We teach our learners personal safety, respect, and confidence to raise their voice. Moreover, we also collaborate with our parents since safeguarding works effectively when the whole school and home are united.
During this festive period, let us rejoice and, at the same time, be alert. Let us make happy memories while taking proper care to keep our children safe and secure.
In case the safety of any child comes into question, I urge that there be no hesitation to speak out or seek advice. Child safety is the responsibility of everyone.
With love from all at Newfield School, we wish you a peaceful and happy festive period. Together, we can protect our children always.
