By Orifwa Ruben
Holidays offer a much-needed break for students, a time for relaxation, recreation, academic improvement and quality family time. However, with increased free time, children may find themselves in situations that could compromise their safety. It is crucial for parents to be proactive in safeguarding their children, particularly during periods of social unrest and public demonstrations.
Children may be caught unintentionally in the crossfire of protests exposing them to violence. Parents and guardians should be mindful and keen about the safety of their children, they should know whereabouts of the children to avoid children being exposed to violence. The psychological trauma that can be caused to children are far reaching. Witnessing violence can have long-lasting emotional and psychological effects on children. Children themselves may also fall victims of the violence when caught in protests; stray bullets, misfired teargas cannisters, stampede in the crowds is a great danger to children.
Children might be influenced by peers to participate in protests or engage in risky behaviour. The influence can be from close peers and even from social media platforms. Juveniles may be unaware of the risks and dangers that they put their lives to in the riots. In chaotic situations, children can be vulnerable to exploitation, trafficking or abduction. Children are highly vulnerable when caught up in protests, especially when the protests are not peaceful. Parents should be much aware of the people that their children interact with to avoid any negative influence, especially the ones that ma compromise their safety.
Parents and guardians should play their roles and responsibilities to keep children safe. They should create a safe space for children to express their thoughts about the current events in the country. They should answer their questions accordingly and age-appropriately. Open communication will help in understanding the feelings of children and giving of proper advice.
Setting boundaries for children by establishing clear rules about where children can go at what time, who they can be with, and what time they should be home. This can prevent children being caught up in violent situations that endangers their safety. Parents should teach children to evaluate information from social media platforms to avoid misinformation. Verifying information before taking it will help prevent any kind of misinformation.
Parents are charged with the responsibility of protecting their children during holiday and a time when a nation is experiencing social unrests. Parents should avoid protests areas, planning activities and outings away from areas where demonstrations are likely to occur. Parents should be aware of the surrounding and supervise their children closely, especially in public. Teaching children safety measures also helps improve their safety, instructing children on how to respond in case of emergency such as seeking shelter or fleeing to safety.
Parents should be mindful of the content their children are exposed to on social media and discuss the potential dangers of online misinformation. By taking proactive steps keeping children safe, parents can nurture create a safe environment during holidays.
Similar Posts by The Mt Kenya Times:
- Mt Kenya Times ePAPER August 27, 2026
- Opposition will have a candidate by April, says Gachagua
- Kalonzo takes his campaign to the people across three counties
- Kenya’s election technology tender: A KSh10B procurement under fire
- The goon question: What Ruto’s vow to act personally really means for Kenya
About the Author
