As the Christmas holiday season unfolds, a growing concern over the safety and well-being of school-going children has emerged. Parents across the country have been urged to exercise extra caution, particularly in light of the challenges and dangers that their children may face during this festive period. Educationists and experts highlight that this is a crucial time when young people, especially those who have just completed their secondary education, are most vulnerable to exploitation and immoralities, including drug abuse and sexual abuse.
In a recent address to a group of Form Four leavers at Zetech University Main Campus in Ruiru, Kiambu County, a group of education experts, led by Veronica Kamau and Dr. Henry Kiogora, stressed the importance of parental involvement in ensuring the safety of children during the holiday season. The experts emphasized the pivotal role that parents play in protecting their children from falling victim to anti-social vices and immoral activities, which are unfortunately prevalent during the festive period.
“Parents should not neglect their parental duties, especially during this long holiday that’s occasioned by festivities. Giving children proper advice and moral support, as well as talking to them whenever they seem to be bothered with problems, should be every parent’s top priority. We do not want to witness cases of children indulging in anti-social vices like drugs, alcoholism, or running away from home,” Dr. Kiogora, a Business and Economics lecturer, remarked.
This message, however, goes beyond just reminding parents to be vigilant; it brings attention to the alarming increase in issues like teenage pregnancies, which are becoming more prevalent in the country. Dr. Kiogora underscored the importance of protecting teenage girls, urging parents to be particularly proactive during the festive period when peer pressure, access to drugs, and social isolation could expose them to greater risks. “Parents must be more involved in their children’s lives, especially during this holiday when temptations are rife,” he added.
The experts also emphasized the importance of maintaining open communication between parents and children. Dr. Kiogora suggested that building a strong and trusting relationship with teenagers is critical in ensuring that they confide in their parents when they are facing challenges. “If you don’t have time for your adolescent teens, they will seek comfort from other adults who might trick them and lead them into harmful situations,” he warned.
The call for vigilance is not limited to parents alone. Veronica Kamau, also an education expert, made a compelling argument for society at large to take responsibility for the safety of children. “The society too has a role to play to ensure that children are safe and in the right place at all times,” she said. She pointed out that the police must be more active during this time of the year, particularly around entertainment spots like nightclubs, where children may be lured into dangerous environments. Kamau urged law enforcement to increase patrols and enforce strict measures against those who host or supply alcohol and drugs to minors. “Children who indulge in drugs and alcohol become potential targets of criminals who defile or rape them. We must eliminate these habits for the safety of our children,” she said, reinforcing the urgent need for a collective effort to protect young people.
One of the critical measures discussed was the need for stricter laws to punish those who exploit young people. Kamau made it clear that anyone caught selling drugs or alcohol to school children should face the full force of the law. “Those who are found hosting school children in their joints should be apprehended and charged in a court of law,” she asserted, highlighting the importance of creating a deterrent to those who would harm the vulnerable.
As we continue through the festive season, it is clear that safeguarding children’s welfare is not just the responsibility of parents but of society as a whole. As we celebrate, let us remain vigilant and active in protecting our children from the dangers that lurk, ensuring that they experience the joy of the season without falling prey to the harmful influences that can derail their future.
