Here are a few sobering statistics that we trust will drive the message home that children can come to harm anywhere and at any time:
- In South Africa, more than 10 children die each day from motor vehicle accidents, drowning, poisoning, burns and violence.
- More than 65% of these accidents occur in and around the home.
- 20% of the children treated at the Red Cross Children’s Hospital’s trauma unit are injured at school … and one has to wonder where on earth can our children be safe?
Our children are our future and, because they are among the most vulnerable members of our society, they rely on us as adults to keep them safe.
National Children’s Day is commemorated on November 6 2010 and aims to promote a culture of caring and respect for the rights of children.
As part of the Government Employees Medical Scheme’s (GEMS) ongoing effort to educate our members and future members on a range of healthcare topics, we would like to provide you with some information in the month of National Children’s Day.
Section 28 of South Africa’s Constitution protects the rights of children. The government has also put in place a number of measures, including a department that specifically takes care of the issues of children as well as those affecting women and people with disabilities.
The best way for parents to protect their children is to educate themselves regarding child health and safety and then to take the necessary practical steps to provide an environment in which the young ones can thrive.
Children, especially very young ones, have not yet been able to establish what is dangerous to them and what is not. It is, therefore, vital that they are always closely supervised by a responsible adult.
Never leave your child with an adult who is unreliable and who is unlikely to keep a close watch on them. Adults who drink or who take drugs while caring for children are unlikely to be able to take proper care of them and you should not leave your children in their care.
If you leave your child at a crèche, make sure that it is fully registered, has an impeccable safety record and that the staff are fully qualified to look after your child.
Emergency services providers suggest that all parents should learn first aid, or at least child CPR or “mouth-to-mouth” resusitation. CPR supplies oxygen to a person’s brain when they have stopped breathing and can be a lifesaver in an emergency.
During the National Traffic Safety Summit hosted in Johannesburg in October, Sibusiso Ndebele, the Minister of Transport, referred to road accidents as having reached “unprecedented epidemic proportions in the country”. He referred specifically to the tragic minibus accident on August 25 2010 in which 10 children were killed in Blackheath, near Cape Town, stating: “In developed countries, the death of 10 people in a single incident is a national tragedy. When those who are killed are children, it is that much more painful.”
One of the most dangerous places is the home, so parents should make sure that it is safe. Put all hazardous chemicals, cleaners and medicines out of the reach of children. Do the same with sharp objects.
Parents should be particularly aware of water as there are many child drownings or near drownings each year. Children can drown in just a few centimetres of water. Therefore it is prudent to keep them away from buckets of water, toilets or fishponds. Do not let your children swim in rivers, dams or swimming pools without the supervision of an adult who can swim well.
Large numbers of children are burnt each year. Keep your children away from matches, fires, candles, paraffin lamps and hot oven plates and pots. Do not leave fires and candles burning when you go to sleep.
Many people do not know what to do or who to call in the event of an emergency. It is wise to have the numbers of the South African Police Services, a medical emergency service and the local fire brigade on hand at all times.
Children are a gift to us as parents and to our society. We should, therefore, do everything in our power to ensure that they stay happy, healthy and safe. Keeping a close watch on your children and knowing what to do in the event of an emergency will go some way to help you keep society’s precious gifts protected.