EDITORIAL: Provide adequate supervision

LAST Thursday marked the end of the school year for thousands of children across the island. For them, it is now the start of summer – a time to frolic and have fun.

 

While this may be the case, it is also a time for serious, responsible heads to prevail to ensure the safety of our children; for although it is natural to expect a level of excitement and revelry in their activities, it is also nature’s way to spring the unexpected when one least expects it and this, unfortunately, may end in tragedy.

 

To this end, parents and guardians should strive to ensure that adequate supervision is provided for their children. Though many youngsters may demonstrate a maturity beyond their years and one might be tempted to leave them unsupervised or even in charge of smaller siblings, they are still only children with too little experience on how to handle life’s sticky situations, and it takes only a few minutes for disaster to strike.

 

Assistance should therefore be sought from extended family or friends wherever possible, to keep an eye on little ones.

 

Alternatively, parents can make use of the numerous national summer camps across the island. The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Youth, for instance, is holding a total of 40 summer camps at various primary schools, churches and other facilities in Northern, Eastern, Southern and Central Zones, in addition to specialised camps by the National Council for Science and Technology; YES’ ‘Camp Enterprise’; a Digital Media Camp; and camps hosted by the National Disabilities Unit and YDP ‘Teens’. The Ministry of Social Care, Constituency Empowerment and Community Development is following suit, with its eight-week ‘Becoming An Artist’ programme, available to youngsters between 8-19 years. There is also the highly popular sports summer camps put on by the National Sports Council. 

 

For those who have missed the registration for the national programmes, it may be possible to enroll youths in private camps if feasible. In all instances, the goal is to provide adequate supervision for children while stimulating their minds and continuing childhood development.

 

Yet, despite the best intentions, supervision for every minute of every hour of every day is highly unlikely. As such, there are a few guidelines which should be taught as life lessons. For instance, children should be taught emergency telephone numbers and how to relay pertinent information to emergency personnel; the dangers of fire and how to use home fire extinguishers; the dangers of certain chemical inhalants and prescription medicines; along with common lessons like avoiding and refusing entry to strangers, or staying away from isolated areas. 

 

Finally, one danger that needs no introduction is the threat of the sea. With the summer sun comes the pull of the cooling sea breeze and refreshing waves and countless children frequently make their way to Barbados’ beaches during their vacations. It is crucial then that our youths be taught to understand the warning signs and flags placed on the beach during rough waters, that they are equipped with the skills to swim and get themselves out of dangerous situations, and that they know not to enter the water unless there is a lifeguard present. They must also be taught a healthy respect for the sea and learn not to skylark in the water.

 

Let us keep our heads on and our eyes open as we continue to enjoy our summer.