Personal safety is this week’s theme in the RCIPS holiday safety initiative – Operation Christmas Cracker.

As the school holidays are fast approaching, officers from the RCIPS Family Support Unit are reminding parents and carers that they need to make sure that they know where their children are, and that they are appropriately supervised.

“In recent times we have had reports of parents leaving their children unsupervised at libraries and in other places for long periods of time during the school holidays,” said Inspector Christsandra Mitchell. “As part of the holiday safety initiative – Operation Christmas Cracker – we are reminding people  that they need to make appropriate arrangements for their children during the holidays, or face the consequences.

Inspector Mitchell has offered the following advice to help parents and carers ensure that their children are supervised and safe over the festive season.

• Make sure you know where your child is at all times and who he/ she is with.
• Always ensure that your child is appropriately supervised.
• Never leave your child unattended at home,  in public places or in vehicles.
• If your child wishes to attend a sleepover make sure you know where he/ she will be staying and who will be supervising him/her.
• Be aware of your child’s surrounding and of any unwelcome or unusual attention from others.
• Teach your child the importance of saying NO and not accepting any gifts or rides from strangers.
• Be aware of any changes in your child’s behaviour as that may be an indication that something is troubling him/her.
• Monitor your child’s access to internet and cell phones.
• Talk to your child and be involved in his/ her activities.
• Teach your child the dangers of drink and drugs.