Laughter, playing and imagination all form part of a magical childhood, free from a world of abuse and fear.
However, there are children who will never know the true meaning of childhood and the boundless joys it is meant to contain. Reaching out to the downtrodden children of South Africa, the Department of Social Development officially launched Child Protection Week on Sunday, June 2.
Under the theme, Let us protect all children to move South Africa Forward, Child Protection Week sees South Africa raising awareness around the rights of children as articulated in our constitution and Children’s Act (Act No. 38 of 2005).
Despite our constitution emphasising the importance of showing children dignity, showing high regard for their rights and equality, it comes down to us as everyday citizens to allow children to enjoy their childhood, one that is free of hardships and pain.
In the quest to protect our children, organisations such as the Newcastle Child Welfare, Crisis Centre and SANCA are currently visiting local schools to spread the word on children’s rights.
“Topics being covered involve inappropriate touching, the dangers of climbing into a car with a stranger, both bullying and cyberbullying, human trafficking and abuse,” says Nishi Jagwanth of Newcastle Child Welfare.
However, focusing on building a solid foundation for the future, Nishi says the education does not end there during this week.
“We are also teaching children about relationships. Teenage years are often filled with mixed emotions and feelings. We felt it important to educate teenagers on the importance of how to treat their partners in a relationship, the importance of showing respect and why they must be shown respect in turn.”
This is to ensure when they form meaningful relationships in their adulthood, they can go into marriage and serious relationships, fully aware of the importance of a healthy relationship.
As Newcastle Child Welfare and its partners focus on helping children develop into healthy adults, the police are raising awareness on the scourge of bullying. An issue which seems to prove difficult to eradicate within school grounds.
Newcastle SAPS spokesperson, Captain Jabulani Ncube says there are different forms of bullying. Each one playing a negative role in its victims’ lives. The different types of bullying involve physical, verbal and cyberbullying.
“If you are being bullied, remember not to blame yourself. It is not your fault. No matter what someone says or does, you should not be ashamed of who you are or what you feel,” says Captain Ncube.
He says it is also important to remember to be proud of who you are. “Despite what a bully says, there are many wonderful things about you. Keep those in mind instead of the things you hear from bullies.”
For parents, there are telling signs to gauge if your child is being bullied. These signs are as follows:
- Your child appears worried, angry and moody.
- Your child may experience nightmares more frequently.
- Physical complaints increase and your child avoids explaining physical injuries.
- Withdrawal from friends and activities that they used to enjoy.
Captain Ncube says it is instrumental to get involved with children’s lives if there is an issue with bullying. By parents showing their support, Captain Ncube says the matter can be resolved, as no child should face bullying alone.
As the SAPS and local organisations raise awareness this Child Protection Week, what do you feel are the biggest issues faced by our community’s youth and how do you think we can address them? Share your views with us in the comment section below.
