There have been at least 3 major safety-related injuries and deaths in and from school which social media helped escalate awareness. Don Davis, Keren-Happuch and Sylvester did not deserve this. There are many more cases that are being hidden or manipulated. No child deserves to get injured or die because they sought education. We must do better as a society. For that to happen, all stakeholders must play their part.
If your child complains to you and you’re not listening or you ask them to endure, you are part of the problem.
As a teacher, if you see children being mean to another child and you turn away, you are part of the problem.
As a school owner, if you do not take action when a child goes out of line because the parents are rich, you are a part of the problem.
As a family member, if you see children ganging up against another child and you mind your business, you are part of the problem.
If justice is trying to be served and you are distorting information or frustrating the parents, you are part of the problem.
STOP IT!
Sylvester’s death has led to an outcry across all segments of society. This was totally preventable. We cannot continue to be a reactive society. Children do not need to die or get injured before we realize that their safety is critical. This case must be transparently treated and we must ALL work towards preventing a re-occurrence.
According to the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, an estimated 644,855 children under the age of 15 were killed by an injury and between 10 million and 30 million more suffered a non-fatal injury. A large proportion of these unintentional injuries occurred in or around the home while others occurred in the community.
You have a role
- Parents: You are the primary caregiver of your child. Your child should be able to tell you ANYTHING about their experiences without fear. Build a loving relationship with them so this can happen. When they confide, please TAKE ACTION because it builds their confidence in you. Stop shutting them up or using words like “man up”
- Family/Extended Family: Be observant. If you notice a child is not getting the care from their parents, care. There have been cases of children confiding in their grandparents on the abuse they face. This can only happen if they know the person cares. So, care. Observe, ask questions, support.
- Teacher: You are a major influence in a child’s life. Use your influence positively. Do not be a part of the problem with abusive words, aggressive character and “funny” undertones. Don’t be nonchalant when you observe anything that compromises a child’s safety. You might be their last hope of getting a “safe” adult’s attention.
- School administrator /Owner: What is the overall culture in your school? Children’s development is not just about academics. Are they physically and emotionally safe? How do you ensure that? Do you have a proactive and reactive method of addressing safety concerns? No child deserves to die or get injured because they came to school. You must be seen to give a fair judgment regardless of socioeconomic status.
- Parent-Teacher Associations (PTA): This is not an association to show off or gang up against the school. It is an opportunity to get involved in the well-being of children. Use your expertise to make life better for children who may not have anyone to speak for them. If you say it’s not your business because your child is fine, what happens when another child without scruples goes after yours? Get involved. Speak up.
- Government: No child on your watch should die. If they do for any reason, you must use your FULL authority to get to the bottom of it. No hidden agendas because the child is the important party to be protected.
The media, places of worship, childcare services providers and YOU must use your voice. Call out bad behaviour in children when you see it and build them to make better choices. Do not be an enabler of bad behaviour.
Over the years, we have spoken and trained on the importance of equipping children and having the systems to protect them. We will continue. But we ALL need to rise up and play our roles too. ALL hands must be on deck.
A child should be confident that they are protected and will not die because adults did not have the courage to do the right thing.
#TheSafetyChic
Intentionally building a safety conscious generation
