Parents urged to prioritise children’s safety over the holidays

Parents and guardians are being urged to remain vigilant over the upcoming school holidays.

Speaking to fijivillage News, the Minister for Children, Sashi Kiran expressed strong concern about the growing number of children ending up on the streets during school breaks, particularly those sent to stay with relatives in urban areas without proper supervision.

She is urging parents to communicate clearly with relatives hosting their children, ensure they know their whereabouts, and take steps to prevent situations where children could drift into unsafe environments.

Kiran also highlighted that the holiday period often sees children left unsupervised, making them vulnerable to road accidents and water-related incidents.

She is urging families to closely monitor younger children and ensure they do not wander near rivers, drains, or flooded areas, warning that increased rainfall, flooding, and outdoor activities significantly raise the risk of accidents.

The Minister also reminded families that Back-to-School assistance must be used for its intended purpose.

She says that there have been past cases where parents diverted these funds away from educational needs.

Kiran is encouraging families and communities to spend quality time with children during the holidays and ensure they remain safe, supervised, and protected throughout the break.