Children's Authority: Teach children about dangers of alcohol

THE Children's Authority is urging parents to teach children about the dangers of alcohol consumption and using illicit drugs, adding that the safety and health of children should be the number one priority.

The Authority made the call via a press release on Sunday after the circulation of a video on social media showing with children liming and drinking what appeared to be alcohol, outside a residence. The children are also heard using obscene language in the video.

The Authority said it noted that parents and guardians must take responsibility for teaching children what is acceptable and unacceptable behaviour. It adds that children should be taught at an early age the dangers of alcohol consumption and illicit drugs.

Parents are reminded of the following:

• Ensure children are left in the care of trusted and responsible adults

• Set boundaries about places children may go and enforce them

• Encourage children to check in with you frequently when they are not at home

• Monitor closely your child’s social media and cellular phone activity

• Know your children's friends and observe any new influences which may affect their

behaviour

• Older children should not be given the responsibility to supervise younger ones.

While the date of the video is not known, adults are encouraged to remind children that the covid19 pandemic requires behaviour change by all, in order to prevent the spread of the virus.

The Authority said it is collaborating with the Child Protection Unit of the police service as it continues to investigate the video. According to Section 38 of the Children Act, 2012, the Authority is mandated to contact the parent, guardian or the person with responsibility for a child, once it receives information from the Police that the child was believed to be drinking alcohol.

The Authority reminded that child protection is everybody’s business and none should turn a blind eye when children are in danger or engaging in dangerous activity. To report concerns about a child’s safety, contact the Authority’s Hotline at 996 or the Police at 999.