NASSAU, The Bahamas --- Bahamian parents were this week encouraged to promote child safety during the summer recess by not leaving their children unsupervised for any periods of time.

Minister of Social Services and Community Development, the Hon. Melanie S. Griffin said parents can help promote child safety by registering their children in one of the many summer programmes that provide “structured activities for children in a safe environment” at no cost.

Mrs. Griffin said parents forced to leave their child/children in the care of another, should ensure that the person is “a responsible adult.”

“I understand that because most parents still have to work during the summer school recess that they may encounter difficulties in making adequate provisions for the supervision of their children, but I urge you not to leave your children unsupervised,” said Minister Griffin.

“At the same time, be careful of in whose care you entrust them to,” Mrs. Griffin added.

Minister Griffin said the need to ensure the well-being and protection of children is a daily mandate of parents and guardians. She said this duty becomes even more important during the summer months when children do not have the structured supervision of a school setting.

Mrs. Griffin said parents who may not be able to afford to send their children to the recognised, paid camps, should look to register their children in one of the many summer camps operated by numerous government agencies and the churches.

One such camp is the Community Affairs Division of the Ministry of Social Services and Community Development’s summer programme, which runs through the end of July. Hosted at the Family Life Centres in Flamingo Gardens and Elizabeth Estates each weekday, the camps offer children the opportunity to participate in activities such as arts and crafts, music, sports and dance, in addition to participating in field trips.

Summer camps are also being hosted by the Ministry of Youth, Sports and Culture; the Urban Renewal Programme; the Royal Bahamas Police and Defence Forces, in addition to a number of churches that have been certified by the Ministry of Social Services and Community Development and other relevant government agencies.

“I implore parents and guardians to take advantage of these programmes which will provide structured activities for children in a safe environment,” Mrs. Griffin added.

The Social Services Minister also issued a number of safety tips designed to ensure the safety of children at all times. They include:

• Ensuring children know their full names and the telephone numbers of parents and persons to be contacted in the event of an emergency.
• Teaching children not to accept rides with strangers and to not approach any vehicle unless they are with a parent or responsible adult.
• Teaching children not to open the door or talk to anyone who visits the house when they are home alone.
•   Set curfews and have children follow them. (If they are going to be late they must check-in with parents first).
• Re-inforce in children’s minds to avoid shortcuts; to take the safest way home at all times, and to ensure that they never walk alone.
• Explain to children that they must never allow anyone to touch them or any of their body parts, and Ensure children memorise the numbers for the National Hotline, which are: 322-2763 0r 455-2763.