Be mindful, alert – RCC warns parents

…calls on teachers, public to detect child abuse

The Rights of the Child Commission has warned parents to be more mindful and alert of persons within their homes who might display abusive behaviour and those who may show signs that they are not to be trusted around children. On Monday, the RCC said that due to the COVID-19 pandemic, children have become more at risk for negative occurrences specifically neglect and abuse. In a statement, the organisation said that child abuse in all its forms, whether inflicted by adult or peer, is wrong.
On this note, the Commission has called on teachers and parents to be more vigilant during this time and to be prepared to act on children’s behalf for their protection.
The RCC urged parents to remember that they are the primary protectors of their children and other children in their sphere and care.
Further, the Rights of the Child Commission urged teachers to play their role in identifying signs of abuse among their students. Noting that teaching has transitioned to virtual classes, the Commission has called on teachers to remain alert and to reach out to students who would have been previously identified as at risk for abuse.
In addition, teachers were also urged to be alert to the reality of cyberbullying, since in-class bullying may now have been transformed, with class bullies now shifting their bad behaviour to the virtual classrooms in an attempt to continuously torment their peers.
Meanwhile, the Commission has acknowledged the work of various stakeholders who continue to protect the rights of children in the course of the tangible work they do on a day-to-day basis.
Commending the work of the Child Care and Protection Agency (CPA), the Commission also acknowledged the important work of social workers and teachers who continue to encounter and address instances of abuse.
The RCC further appealed to the general public to heighten their vigilance even during the COVID-19 pandemic to ensure the safety of every child.
The Rights of the Child Commission related that several instances of abuse have been found due to public intervention. On this note, the Commission has called on concerned persons to make contact with any relevant authority that they feel comfortable to liaise with in order to highlight these issues.