MESSAGE LIBRARY:

Child safety

FOR ADULTS

Why children need extra attention during emergencies

Children need adults to provide extra care and protection to keep them safe during this difficult time.  Pay particular attention to those children who seem to be most at risk of being hurt or injured.  Keeping children safe is everyone's responsibility. If your or someone else's child tells you they have been hurt or abused tell them you believe them and reassure them that it is not their fault. Help them to get the services they need by contacting [insert details].

The importance of accompanying children at night

At night accompany your children when they go to the latrine. This will help to keep them safe.

What to do when going to a distribution site

If you are going to collect aid, keep your children close by you at all times or leave them in the care of a responsible and trusted relative or adult.

Advice on children collecting aid

If you send your child to collect food or other types of aid from distribution sites, make sure they do not go alone. Ensure their safety by asking an adult to accompany them.

Avoiding child trafficking

Your children will always be better with you. Do not give your child away to people who promise a better future elsewhere. If you think you can no longer care for your child and you need help, seek assistance from [add name and contact info].

Advice on taking children to demonstrations

Be careful about taking children to demonstrations or other gatherings that might become violent.

The importance of keeping guns away from children

Keep children away from guns and fighting.  Don't leave loaded guns in houses or other places where children might be able to play with them.  Don't allow guns in places where children congregate such as schools, hospitals or play areas.

FOR CHILDREN

Tell people where you are going

Whenever you go outside of your home, always tell your family/caregivers where you are going. This will help if you become separated.

When far from family shelter

If you are going far from your family's shelter, always go with a trusted adult or a member of your family/household.

What to do at night if you need to use the latrine

At night ask an adult to take you to the latrines.

Importance of not being alone when going out at night

Do not walk alone, especially at night. Always go with someone you know and trust when collecting water or firewood and buying food. Try and use paths that are well lit. Always tell someone where you are going and when you will be back.

Location of where to find help

If you feel threatened or afraid, speak to someone you trust who can help you, or go to a school, child friendly space or medical clinic. These can be found at [insert info here]. There you can get advice on services that have been set up for people and families affected by the emergency.

Advice on the dangers of buildings and rubble following an earthquake

Stay away from damaged buildings and rubble. Ask your parents or adults you are with before entering buildings in your area. Be particularly careful with buildings made from mud as they may collapse. Play in an area marked as safe.

REFERENCES

For more information on this topic, we recommend you read the following references.

Please contact us if you have suggested references.

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