Sharjah’s Child Safety Campaign Gives Out Tips for a Happy Summer

It is that time of year again when schools are shut for a long time in the UAE, and every parent wants their children to have a fulfilling summer, while keeping them safe and sound. When kids go out for play or meet friends, visit crowded shopping malls, etc., they are exposed to an unprotected environment whose uncertainties they are not equipped to handle on their own. The hot summer environment, increased risk of accidents, and other factors in the outside world need to be tackled with caution, and a set of key safety measures need to be followed by parents to ensure children of all ages make the most out of their summer break.

The UAE in general, and Sharjah in particular, have an array of initiatives in place to promote child safety. The Child Safety Campaign for instance, is an initiative of Sharjah’s Supreme Council for Family Affairs (SCFA), and operates under the directives and patronage of Her Highness Sheikha Jawaher bint Mohammed Al Qasimi, wife of the Ruler of Sharjah, and Chairperson of SCFA.

Child Safety Campaign’s initiative aims to raise awareness about the risks of child accidents and how they can be prevented during the summer break. It seeks to fully involve parents and guardians in playing their part in keeping children safe and happy.

Parents need to keep an eye out for their children, especially when taking them out to crowded areas such as shopping malls, parks, festivals, and large gatherings. Children, if not watched at all times may wander off and get lost. The problem is compounded if they don’t have their parents’ phone numbers memorised, or have not been taught what to do if they ever get lost. To avoid such risks, Child Safety Campaign recommends:

• Parents should teach their children not to enter a stranger’s vehicle or accept any offers for a lift from strangers, and always inform their children in advance about who will be picking them up.

• Parents must keep an eye on their children at all times, especially in crowded and public places. They should not get distracted from their children, or allow them to play without supervision.

• In shopping malls and crowded areas, younger children should be wearing ID bracelets mentioning the child’s full name and his/her parents’ contact details.

• Children must be made to memorise essential personal details like their full name, address and their parents’ phone numbers, which will aid them in finding their parents in case they are lost.

• Parents should get to know their children’s friends and meet their parents.

“Summer holidays are a great time for children to enjoy good times while on holiday with family or out with friends. Likewise, we know that children are exposed to unsafe environments and often have more freedom in the summer to go out and enjoy the holidays. With this is mind, we have launched this campaign to promote ways that will create an ideal social environment, which guarantees children’s full rights and safety and enables them to enjoy their childhood,” said Hanadi Saleh Al Yafei, Department Director at SCFA and Head of the Organising Committee of the Child Safety Campaign.

The remaining tips underline that:

• Kids must learn to identify and handle potentially dangerous situations. Saying ‘no’ loudly, running away, yelling as loud as they can, and asking trusted people for help are essentials. Children must learn to check in with their parents before going anywhere.

• At home, children - especially the younger ones, must not be left unattended. Windows and balcony doors must be shut properly when not in use.

• Parents must physically ensure there are no kids around their vehicle, especially in blind spots, before starting it. This is essential as sometimes the smaller ones may not be visible in the rearview or side mirrors.

• Parents must be cautious when the kids are swimming alone or without safety devices. On the beach, even older children who know how to swim should not be left unattended as they are at risk of being caught in strong currents. For the young ones that are still learning, they must use proper floatation devices and always be accompanied by their parents.

Al Yafei also underscored that the Child Safety Campaign seeks to achieve child safety practices in conjunction with legislations and laws that protect their rights, observing that although considerable progress has been made in granting children in the UAE their rights, the nation still faces challenges that requires the Child Safety Campaign to further its efforts to raise community awareness and create a safe environment for children.   

Earlier this month, the Child Safety Campaign held a two-day training workshop for supervisors and employees from several government institutions in Sharjah on how they can best deliver the campaign’s message to children on cyber security. A total of 47 employees and supervisors attended the training, and learned about the most effective measures to protect children from online viruses and how children can stay safe while using the internet.

A quick response by parents in implementing these safety tips during an emergency are key to ensuring their child’s wellbeing. Parents must also practice emergency procedures and learn how to perform a cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). In case of a serious incident, they should not hesitate to call the police or the ambulance by dialing 999 and get help.