The Minister for Women, Children and Social Protection, Sashi Kiran, has voiced serious concerns regarding the alarming rise in cases of young children being found dead or reported missing nationwide. In her recent address, she called upon families and communities to take a more active role in safeguarding children.
Kiran expressed her dismay over the increasing tragedies impacting young lives, highlighting that many of these could potentially be prevented through enhanced communication and supervision among family members. This is particularly important during school holidays when children often face greater risks.
“In this era of mobile communication, it is crucial for parents and guardians to remain aware of their children’s whereabouts at all times,” Kiran emphasized. She urged families to not become complacent and to maintain regular contact, rather than assuming a missing child is safe simply because they might be at a relative’s home.
The Minister also pointed out a concerning trend where children found living on the streets are returned to their families without any official missing person reports being filed. “These children are exposed to significant dangers, yet no alerts are raised,” she noted, signifying a critical breakdown in family communication.
Additionally, Kiran highlighted the increase in drug-related incidents within communities, which further complicates the safety issues surrounding children. To address these challenges, she encouraged families to adopt clear guidelines that include sharing travel plans, expected arrival times, and timely communication regarding any changes.
In her concluding remarks, Kiran stressed that the holiday season should be a time of joy and strengthening family ties, rather than a period marked by preventable harm. She urged family elders to keep open lines of communication with children, check on their wellbeing regularly, and ensure they are not left unsupervised in potentially unsafe situations.
For children who feel unsafe or require assistance, Kiran promoted the Ministry’s 24-hour toll-free Child Helpline at 1325, which serves as a vital resource for safeguarding their rights and welfare. This proactive initiative aims to cultivate a community environment that is more caring and vigilant, ensuring that children can flourish in safe and nurturing surroundings.