Police have advised parents to teach their children about safety and security as they return to school on September 09,2023.
According to the Uganda Police Spokesperson SCP Fred Enanga during a weekly security briefing at Police Headquarters in Nagaru on Monday, September 18, 2023, it is important to teach children to trust their instincts, and remember emergency contacts among other things.
Enanga encouraged parents to educate their children on avoiding shortcuts and being cautious of people who may follow them on foot, motorcycles, or in vehicles. He emphasized the importance of teaching kids to be security-conscious and trust their instincts, especially when they suspect they are being followed.
“Avoiding shortcuts, watching out of stockers on foot, motorcycles, and motor vehicles, we need to teach our children how to be very security conscious and use their instincts, especially when they are being followed,” Enanga said.
Additionally, he advised parents to instruct their children not to talk to strangers and never accept rides from individuals who haven’t been approved by their parents. Memorizing important contact information, such as full names, home addresses, and phone numbers, was also encouraged.
Enanga suggested that parents avoid printing their children’s names on school bags and uniforms to reduce the risk of abduction. Revealing such information can make it easier for someone to approach a child and claim familiarity. Concealing names on uniforms and school bags was recommended to enhance safety.