The Department of Social Development recently hosted dialogues in Houtbay to discuss the importance of positive parenting and child protection, with a particular focus on boys. These discussions took place ahead of the Child Protection Week campaign launching on 28 May 2023. During the dialogues, boys emphasized the need for counseling, education, and support for parents to learn positive parenting techniques.
Boys Raise Concerns About Cyberbullying and Reproductive Health Rights
Aside from positive parenting, the boys also raised concerns about cyberbullying and its potential impact on children, including severe consequences such as suicide. Additionally, they emphasized the need to direct children towards technical or vocational training, recognizing that not every child is academically inclined. The boys also highlighted the importance of privacy and confidentiality regarding reproductive health rights at local clinics.
Parental Requests for Improved Communication and Child Protection Measures
Parents in attendance at the dialogues called for improved communication to educate children about teenage pregnancy, HIV/AIDS, and the impact of dropping out of school. They also requested increased police visibility, better access to social workers, and community cooperation to enhance child protection.
Child Protection Week Campaign Aims to Raise Awareness
The Child Protection Week campaign aims to raise awareness of child protection services to guard against violence, harmful cultural practices, teenage pregnancy, gender-based violence, and femicide. The campaign serves as a reminder of the need for increased police visibility, better access to social workers, and community cooperation to promote child protection.
Continued Efforts to Promote Positive Parenting and Child Protection
Efforts to promote positive parenting and child protection through dialogues and campaigns such as the Child Protection Week are crucial. It is vital to educate parents on positive parenting techniques and provide children with access to technical or vocational training. Governments must ensure that children’s privacy is protected, including their reproductive health rights.
Collective Responsibility to Ensure Children’s Safety
In conclusion, the safety and well-being of children should be a collective responsibility. It is necessary to continue implementing the National Strategic Plan on GBVF and focus on response, care, support, and healing to protect children during COVID-19 and beyond. Through community cooperation and increased awareness, we can create a safe environment for children, ensuring they receive the best possible upbringing.
