Nokubonga Ndlovu|Published 34 minutes agoThe holidays are all about letting kids be kids, but more freedom naturally brings additional risks. As parents and guardians, we want to give them the space to explore without constantly hovering, but our number one priority is always keeping them protected.During the school break, children spend much more time inside, turning our homes into high-traffic areas. Fortunately, making a few quick modifications can easily prevent common mishaps and ensure your home remains a completely safe zone:Make sure your kitchen is safe for the children: keep knives and other sharp objects away, and remove appliances from the edges.Lock washing detergents and medication away; ensure they are out of reach, as children love to explore. Check that cords aren't creating tripping hazards across walkways.If your children are old enough, do not always assume they know everything; practise a small drill so they know exactly what to do when there is an emergency. Ensure your phone is always switched on and within reach. Whether they need help, reassurance, or simply want to check in, your child should be able to contact you at any time.School breaks offer the perfect opportunity for children to enjoy the neighbourhood, whether they are cycling or meeting friends at the park. While fostering independence is vital for their development, setting firm community guidelines ensures they remain secure until they return home at dusk.Before your child steps out, they must tell you who they are going with and where they are going.Teach your kids to look out for their friends, and ensure they know to stay together. Connect with your neighbours or use trusted community group chats to keep an eye out for each other's kids. Never talk to strangers; tell them to always find people in the community they can turn to if they feel unsafe or get lost. In June, the South African Police Service (SAPS) cautioned that criminals often target vulnerable children and may take advantage of situations where children are left unsupervised.“We appeal to all parents, guardians, and community members to work together to create a safe environment for children during the school holidays. Through vigilance, responsible supervision, and adherence to basic safety precautions, many incidents can be prevented," the SAPS said.SAPS urges both children and adults to never hand their cellphone to a stranger, regardless of the explanation given and instead direct anyone seeking assistance to shopping centre security personnel, police officers, or other responsible authorities. [email protected]IOL NEWSGet your news on the go. Download the latest IOL App for Android and IOS now.Related Topics: