Keeping your child safe at the world cup 2010

Toddler Fun are based in South Africa, the hosts of this year’s FIFA World Cup Finals, which began last Friday to the sound of a packed stadium full of Vuvuzelas. It’s an amazing time for our nation to welcome hundreds of thousands of visitors from all over the globe.

But, as with any event where there is such an influx of people, it is important that parents recognise the increased risks to their children’s safety. It is a sad reflection on today’s society that children are not as safe as they once were and, as parents, we all need to be vigilant when out and about – more so, when public spaces are so much busier and child-trafficking is at an all-time high in South Africa.

It’s very easy to let the hustle and bustle of a crowd situation cause you to drop your guard, so here are some helpful tips to consider before you go out with your toddler during the World Cup.

-Teach your child their full name, your name and, depending on their age, their address or phone number.

-Although it’s important your child feels able to tell someone they are lost, it is also essential that they are aware of stranger dangers. A simple ‘never talk to strangers’ rule is more appropriate for most children.

-Think through the situations you will be experiencing. Even a trip to the supermarket will mean encountering more people than usual. Explain to your child that, for example, "there will be lots of people, so I need you to hold Mommy’s hand all the time."

-Memorise the clothes that your toddler is wearing before you set off. If they wander off, they will be easier to spot if you know what you are looking for. Brightly-coloured clothes make sense.

-Use a child location device to give you added peace of mind when out and about. We have a variety of these available from our shop and they are perfect for the child that just can’t help running! Attach a simple teddy-bear shaped band to your child’s wrist or ankle (or even their pram) and then, if they make a bid for freedom, you can simply press a button on a key chain transmitter to hear a beep from the receiver on your child’s wrist. A slightly different device notifies you with a beep if your child ventures outside of a specified radius.

-Keep your child physically close with a safety harness for added security.

-Take care when leaving your child with others. Never leave them in the charge of someone you don’t know, whether at the mall, park or even in your own home.

It’s sad that, during such an exciting time in South Africa’s year, we felt it necessary to write this article, but even in a world without the dangers of child trafficking and abductions, the reminders would still be necessary. Keeping an eye on our toddlers can be tricky at the best of times and, as most of us know, they need constant supervision!

Toddler Fun wishes you an enjoyable, successful and, most importantly, safe World Cup 2010. Ayoba Ayoba!