By Charmaine Ndlela
As schools close and families enter the festive season, parents, caregivers and guardians are urged to place the safety and well-being of children at the centre of their holiday plans.
With children spending more time at home, in public spaces and online, risks increase significantly when supervision slips.
The festive period is traditionally a time of celebration and travel, but it is also potentially one of the most dangerous times of the year for children.
In South Africa, incidents of child trafficking, kidnapping, road accidents and abuse tend to rise during this period. Parents are encouraged to always know their children’s whereabouts and ensure they are never left unattended in unsafe environments.
Child trafficking has become a crisis that continues to raise alarms and concerns.
According to the Global Report on Trafficking in Persons, published by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), there’s been an increase in the percentage of child victims, from 28 per cent in 2014 to 35 per cent in 2021.
Children are trafficked for forced labour, sexual exploitation, forced marriage, exploitative begging, illegal adoption and removal of organs, amongst other things.
Boys are now increasingly targeted for human trafficking for forced criminality. Traffickers exploit vulnerabilities created by poverty, conflict and the effects of climate change.
During school holidays, children often have more free time to play, making supervision critical. Parents are advised to maintain regular communication with their children and teach them basic safety rules, such as never opening doors for strangers, keeping doors locked, and avoiding unfamiliar areas.
Road safety is another key concern during the holiday period. According to the South African National Road Traffic Act, children under the age of three must be secured in an appropriate car seat, while all passengers must wear seat belts on every journey, no matter how short.
The festive season records high numbers of road accidents due to speeding, fatigue and alcohol consumption.
Parents are reminded never to drink and drive, and to ensure their vehicles are roadworthy. Having valid car insurance is also strongly encouraged, as a single moment of distraction can lead to devastating consequences.
With more time spent on digital devices, children also face increased online risks. Parents are encouraged to educate children about responsible online behaviour. Children should be warned not to share personal information such as their location, school or daily routines, and to avoid using geotags when posting online.
Parents should also remind children that strangers online may not be who they claim to be. Children must be encouraged to report any online interaction that makes them feel uncomfortable — especially if someone asks for personal details or attempts to arrange a meeting.
Online predators often target children through social media, email, gaming platforms and messaging apps. Online grooming and child sexual exploitation have increased with the rise of technology, making parental supervision and digital awareness more important than ever.
Crimes against children remain a serious concern in South Africa.
Crimes against children include physical, emotional and sexual abuse, grooming, rape, domestic violence, and violent crimes such as assault or robbery. These acts cause serious harm to a child’s development, dignity and overall well-being.
The effects of child sexual abuse are long-lasting and may include teenage pregnancy, low self-esteem, feelings of worthlessness, lack of trust in adults, distorted views of relationships, and in severe cases, suicidal thoughts. Children who experience abuse are also at an increased risk of future victimisation.
The South African Constitution guarantees the right of everyone, including children, to be protected from all forms of violence, whether from public or private sources.
Some parents and guardians have shared how they are protecting their children during the festive season.
One parent said, “When I leave for work, I prepare everything for my children, then I lock the yard and go with the key.”
Another caregiver explained that her younger sister stays home to look after the children while she is at work.
A parent from Gauteng said she sent her children to stay with their grandparents in a rural village, believing it to be safer than the city.
“Immediately after schools closed, we took the first bus to Nquthu in KwaZulu-Natal for their holiday stay,” she said.
Refilwe Malele said: “I lock them inside the yard together with their friends, then I keep checking how they are playing.”
Davy Tsopo said he plans to keep his boys occupied in positive ways: “I am taking my son and the neighbour’s son fishing. Boys must be boys.”
One parent expressed concern about keeping her child busy while also learning responsibility:
“I am considering getting him a part-time job. He is 11 years old. I want to teach him responsibility, but I don’t even know where to start.”
Children should be supervised at home, during travel and in public spaces to prevent accidents — or them going missing.
By prioritising safety, maintaining open communication and staying informed, parents can help ensure children enjoy a secure and happy holiday period.
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