Potential dangers such as child abduction and sexual assault lurk in every possible place where our children spend most of their time. The recent case of an eight-year-old girl who was sexually assaulted and murdered sent a gruesome message to all parents and guardians of children.
Yet, many still are still rather careless about their children's personal safety. I still see parents leaving their children behind in corners of the shopping malls and children sitting in a shopping cart outside the shops. Children walking to the neighbourhood shops on their own.
Having two primary-age daughters, I have always emphasized personal safety rules to them before and after school. When a hypermarket opened next to my daughter's primary school, I immediately went to the principal and volunteered to conduct personal safety sessions for the girls in this primary school. I presented workshops on building self-esteem, learning to be assertive, learning how to stay safe and the good and bad touches.
Even the campaign on personal safety has its limitations if parents do not take the responsibility to help their children. Parents need to take an active role in protecting their children from abduction and exploitation. You need to constantly supervise your children and be alert to their needs. You can reduce their risk of becoming victims of heinous crimes by listening to them and teaching them about personal safety.
It’s our heartfelt gratitude to have Leo Babauta in this interview.