Dominica, like many other nations, is experiencing changes in everyday life because of the Coronavirus. One such change is the cessation of regular school which means that children are at home and in some cases while parents still go out to work. This may increase vulnerability to abuse says Nicole Toussaint Jno.Baptiste, Coordinator Child Abuse Prevention Unit(Ag), of the Welfare Division.
According to her, when children stay home they are isolated from places which can bring them protection and security such as school and places of worship. Therefore, the responsibility now lies on the parent or guardian to protect them.
She says that since children will be spending more time on social media, it is important to be vigilant to ensure that they are protected at all time. She suggests the following in order to reduce the risk of abuse whether physical, sexual or emotional.
1. Ensure that children are supervised while they are online. You must be aware of what they are doing on the computer or any of their devices at all times. Search for and install software that are able to block harmful sites
2. Children should know who they can communicate with and how to communicate (what is appropriate and what is not). Encourage them to tell you or a trusted adult immediately if they experience cyberbullying or if someone is encouraging them to send inappropriate photos or to perform inappropriate actions.
3. Be alert! If your child appears to be upset or hiding something when online.
4. Set rules and commit to routines. Although children are home, they need to keep occupied to prevent boredom. A set time should be given for all activities including using mobile phones and other devices, going to bed and doing chores.
5. Talk openly to your children about safety and encourage them to tell you or a trusted adult if anyone or anything makes them feel afraid or uncomfortable. Listen to your child and believe any information they give you about being abused. Let them know that you love them and their safety and happiness is important to you. It is never too early to teach your son/daughter about good and bad touches and who should touch them.
6. Ensure that your children are supervised at all times. If you have to leave them with someone, ensure that it is someone you can trust and please speak to your child on reporting any behavior to you or a trusted adult when they are not comfortable with actions being done to them. Let them know what are good and bad secrets and encourage them to always speak to you. I must emphasize again, Always know where your son or daughter is and what they are doing
7. Develop a practice with your child to always inquire about their day, their life; spend time with them for example, watch a movie together or play games; that way you are building an open line of communication with your child so they will feel comfortable in speaking to you.
8. Pay attention to changes in your child. For example, the child may have had, in the past, a good relationship with an adult and suddenly withdraws from the person or shows signs that he/she is afraid of that person.
Finally, ensure that there are no dangerous items in the reach of children. Store all chemicals such as bleach, etc in a secured location.
Remember, children have feelings and they too may feel frustrated. They cannot do their normal daily routine, go to their favorite activities, socialize with their friends, etc. We must speak to them and find out how they feel and give them guidance.
Always remember to speak to them about the novel coronavirus and the disease which it causes- COVID-19.
Please, call the child protection agency such as the nearest Police Station or Social Welfare Division to report any suspected cases of child abuse. We need to look out for our children during these times.
