CNW - The Ontario Association of Children's Aid Societies (OACAS) reminds parents to keep children safe during the March Break, while more than two million children will be out of school this week.
"Children need to be cared for appropriately when they are out of school during March Break and young children should be supervised at all times to ensure they are safe and out of harm's way," says Jeanette Lewis, executive director, OACAS. "When planning to leave a child under the age of 16 attended or with a babysitter, parents should consider the child's age and maturity, safety risks in the home and neighbourhood, and emergency measures for their child."
Parents may decide their older children are more mature and responsible enough to be unsupervised at home. Careful consideration of this decision must include a safety plan for children in case of emergencies so they know what to do in an emergency, who they can call and how to answer the door or telephone.
The OACAS provided tips for parents during the March Break:
- Home Alone: Make sure your child is safe and well cared
for. Consider the child's age and development level, the
safety of the home environment and neighbourhood, and
accessibility of parents, adults, friends and neighbours in
case of an emergency.
- Answering the door: Children should not answer the door or
telephone when parents are not at home.
- Community Services: Local community services have additional
programming and activities for children during the break and
can provide information on daycare options.
- Internet safety: Learn about what your child is doing on the
Internet, set reasonable guidelines and keep the computer in a
family room. Ensure children do not give out personal
information online such as their name, address, phone number,
school name or location. Caution children never to meet anyone
from a chat room in person.
- Babysitting: When hiring a baby/child-sitter, parents should
check references, consider the baby/child-sitter's age,
knowledge of child care and training and assess caregiver to
child ratios.
- Local CAS: When in doubt about leaving your child at home
alone or if you have questions, call your local CAS.
"Parents can protect their children from risk by assessing their child's emotional capacity and maturity to be at home on their own and ensure there are safety plans in place," adds Lewis.
Ontario's Children's Aid Societies protect children from abuse including neglect, promote their well-being within their families and communities, and provide a safe, nurturing place for children and youth to grow up.
