Tragedy may ensue if the welfare of children is not given priority, according to Acting Commissioner of Police Juki Fong Chew. His remarks came after a report emerged detailing an incident where a toddler was found wandering alone along Laucala Beach Road in Nasinu and subsequently taken to a nearby police station by two women.
Commissioner Chew emphasized the police’s dedication to investigating child neglect incidents, revealing that they reached out on social media to locate the child’s parents or guardians. The community responded, and the toddler was soon reunited with his family after the post gained traction.
Chew mentioned that in such cases, the police will investigate potential negligence, which could lead to legal charges against the parents or guardians involved. He noted that this is not the first occurrence of this nature, highlighting ongoing concerns about child safety.
“Such cases have occurred in the past, including incidents where children have drowned, suffered burns, or been involved in accidents,” Chew noted. “These unfortunate events often stem from a lack of supervision or neglect, and they could have been prevented if attention toward child supervision was prioritized.”
Chew urged parents and guardians to be vigilant, as children are naturally curious and can find themselves in dangerous situations in mere moments.
In a related appeal, Assistant Minister for Children Sashi Kiran urged parents and guardians to focus on their children’s welfare and keep track of their whereabouts. She referenced a recent tragedy involving a one-year-old boy who died after allegedly being struck by a vehicle driven by a 23-year-old man when he wandered onto the road unnoticed.
Kiran acknowledged the challenges faced by nuclear families in urban areas when it comes to childcare but stressed the importance of seeking adequate support to prevent neglect and avoidable tragedies.