Nov 256 min read

PROJECT: THE 2024 HOLIDAY SEASON (PART 5) - KEEPING YOUR CHILDREN SAFE

YOU MAY SHARE THIS PUBLIC DOCUMENT

During the December holidays, incidents of missing children, child kidnapping and human trafficking tend to rise in

South Africa as families travel, routines change, and children may be left unsupervised for more extended periods.

This creates opportunities for criminals to exploit vulnerabilities.

South Africa is ranked seventh globally for kidnapping incidents, many of which are linked to human trafficking.
Victims are often trafficked for sexual exploitation, forced labour, or domestic servitude.
Alarming trends show that perpetrators are frequently people known to the victims, such as family members or acquaintances, making traditional "stranger danger" teachings inadequate.
Experts advocate for incorporating human trafficking education into school curriculums to empower children with tools to recognise and respond to unsafe situations.
Efforts to combat these crimes are ongoing, including specialised anti-kidnapping units and increased public awareness campaigns.
However, the scale and covert nature of trafficking remain significant challenges.
Many cases go unreported, and existing systems are often overwhelmed, underscoring the importance of vigilance, reporting suspicious activity, and fostering robust community support systems during this high-risk season.

During the December holidays, parents must take extra precautions to ensure the safety of their children.

With the excitement of the festive season and the potential for increased social activities,

it is easy for children to become distracted and vulnerable to potential dangers.

Parents can take several key steps to keep children safe during this time:

One of the most important aspects of keeping children safe during December is being vigilant and aware of your surroundings.
- Parents should always watch their children closely at a crowded shopping mall, a holiday party, or while travelling to prevent them from wandering off or getting lost.
Additionally, parents should be vigilant about monitoring their children's activities and whereabouts during the holidays.
- This may involve checking in with children regularly, keeping track of their plans, and ensuring they are always accompanied by a responsible adult when participating in activities outside the home.
- By staying informed and involved in their children's lives, parents can help to protect them from potential harm.
One specific danger that parents should be particularly cautious of during the December holidays is the risk of children being left alone on the beach.
- With many families choosing to spend time at the beach during the festive season, parents must be aware of the potential dangers in this setting.
- Children can quickly become separated from their parents in crowded beach areas and may be at risk of drowning or other accidents if left unsupervised.
- Parents should always ensure that their children are accompanied by a responsible adult at the beach to prevent this.
- Additionally, parents should establish a designated meeting spot in case children become separated from their group.
- They should educate their children on the importance of staying close and following safety guidelines at the beach.
Regarding holiday travel, parents should take extra precautions to ensure the safety of their children.
- This may include correctly using car seats and seat belts, packing a first aid kit, and ensuring that children are always supervised.
- It is also essential to teach children about road safety and the importance of staying close to adults in busy or unfamiliar places.
Keep your children always in sight.
- To put things into perspective, it only takes about 20 seconds for a child to drown.
- At least one adult should actively watch your kids every moment.
- To ensure there are no interruptions in supervision, it is best to have at least two adults along.
- Do not leave children unattended, playing on the beach or pool.
- Children should only swim between flags and not approach any adult for help without waiting at a designated meeting spot.
- Hold your child's hand when you are in busy places and crossing the road.
- Ensure you can see your child the whole time when you are in a restaurant.
- Do not ignore any screams, cries or unsettling noises.
- Do not ignore your child when they tell you that they feel uncomfortable or unsafe in the presence of others.
Life vests are one of the best ways to protect your children in the water.
Children must understand that there is no circumventing the next rule: do not talk to strangers, do not accept anything from them and never go with them anywhere.
- If a stranger approaches, tell an adult and stay alert.
- Do not take any sweets or any gifts from strangers.
- Do not allow your child to leave your side and walk away with a stranger to see something elsewhere or exciting nearby.
- Warn children about common lures traffickers use, such as promises of gifts, jobs, or help.
Establish a family code word to confirm trusted individuals in case someone else needs to pick them up unexpectedly.
- And on the flip side, a family code word should your child feel uncomfortable or threatened by an adult in any way.
There are also trackable devices available, and parents can equip their children with GPS-enabled devices or apps to ensure their location can be tracked.
- Otherwise, smartphones also have apps available for the same functionality.
Emergency contact details are crucial, and children must know how to contact family members and local authorities if needed.

Overall, the safety of children should be a top priority for parents during December.

Parents can help ensure their children stay safe and happy during this festive time of year by being vigilant,

communicating clearly and taking extra precautions during the holiday festivities.

The safety of your children must take priority at all times.

IMPORTANT CONTACT NUMBERS:

Police emergency number:

10111

Crime Stop:

08600 10111

Missing Children South Africa:

086 000 5147

Human Trafficking Hotline:

0800 222 777

Childline South Africa:

0800 055 555

MORE RELEVANT PROJECTS:

Specialised Security Services invites the public to the Mike Bolhuis Daily Projects WhatsApp Group.

This group is important in delivering insights into the latest crime trends, awareness, warnings and the exposure of criminals.

HOW TO JOIN THE MIKE BOLHUIS DAILY PROJECTS WHATSAPP GROUP:

Follow the link to our WhatsApp group:
- https://chat.whatsapp.com/FOug8qH2StI8O8rsWW6dKD
"JOIN" to ensure you never miss our daily updates.
You will receive automatic notifications as soon as a new project is posted.

CONTACT MR MIKE BOLHUIS FOR SAFETY AND SECURITY MEASURES, PROTECTION, OR AN INVESTIGATION IF NEEDED.

ALL INFORMATION RECEIVED WILL BE TREATED IN THE STRICTEST CONFIDENTIALITY AND EVERY IDENTITY WILL BE PROTECTED.

Regards,

Mike Bolhuis

Specialist Investigators into

Serious Violent, Serious Economic Crimes & Serious Cybercrimes

PSIRA Reg. 1590364/421949

Mobile: +27 82 447 6116

E-mail: mike@mikebolhuis.co.za

Fax: 086 585 4924

Follow us on Facebook to view our projects -

https://www.facebook.com/MikeBolhuisOfficial

EXTREMELY IMPORTANT: All potential clients need to be aware that owing to the nature of our work as specialist investigators there are people who have been caught on the wrong side of the law - who are trying to discredit me - Mike Bolhuis and my organisation Specialised Security Services - to get themselves off the hook. This retaliation happens on social media and creates doubt about our integrity and ability. Doubt created on social media platforms is both unwarranted and untrue. We strongly recommend that you make up your minds concerning me and our organisation only after considering all the factual information - to the exclusion of hearsay and assumptions. Furthermore, you are welcome to address your concerns directly with me should you still be unsatisfied with your conclusions. While the internet provides a lot of valuable information, it is also a platform that distributes a lot of false information. The distribution of false information, fake news, slander and hate speech constitutes a crime that can be prosecuted by law. Your own research discretion and discernment are imperative when choosing what and what not to believe.

STANDARD RULES APPLY: Upon appointment, we require a formal mandate with detailed instructions. Please take note that should you not make use of our services – you may not under any circumstance use my name or the name of my organisation as a means to achieve whatever end.

POPI ACT 4 of 2013 South Africa: Mike Bolhuis' "Specialised Security Services" falls under Section 6 of the act. Read more here: https://mikebh.link/fntdpv

SSS TASK TEAM:

https://mikebh.link/2fkmx6

Our mailing address is:

Mike Bolhuis Specialised Security Services

PO Box 15075 Lynn East

Pretoria, Gauteng 0039

South Africa

Add us to your address book

THIS PUBLIC DOCUMENT WAS INTENDED TO BE SHARED, PLEASE DO SO.