The Ministry of Women, Children and Social Protection is urging parents, guardians, and families to stay vigilant and maintain close communication regarding their children’s whereabouts during the school holidays. Minister Sashi Kiran emphasized that, given the widespread availability of mobile phones and instant communication, there is no reason families should be unaware of their children’s locations.
The Minister called upon communities to remain alert and proactive in ensuring the safety of children, especially in light of rising concerns related to incidents of children going missing or being found dead. Families have been advised not to assume the safety of relatives without proper confirmation of their whereabouts.
To enhance safety, the Ministry encourages households to implement clear guidelines, such as sharing travel plans, setting expected return times, and promptly updating others if plans change. Minister Kiran highlighted the importance of this holiday period as a time for rest, joy, and family bonding, rather than allowing avoidable tragedies to overshadow these moments.
Parents and guardians are encouraged to maintain open lines of communication with their children, routinely checking on both their emotional and physical well-being, and ensuring that they are not left unsupervised in unsafe environments. For added support, children can reach out to the toll-free Child Helpline at 1325, which operates around the clock with trained counselors available to provide assistance and referrals. This helpline is also a valuable resource for parents and guardians seeking guidance.
The Ministry emphasizes that child safety is a collective responsibility involving families, neighbors, community leaders, and institutions. It reaffirmed its commitment to working alongside partners and enforcement agencies to enhance child protection efforts, aiming to foster a safer environment for children during this holiday season and beyond.
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