Written by: Sugar Ray Thomas

With schools almost closed for the summer holidays, the Child Protection and Family Services Agency (CPFSA) is urging parents and caregivers to take extra precautions to keep children safe.

This as the period presents increased risks for children who are left unsupervised, or whose online and offline activities are not closely monitored.

Chief Executive Officer of the CPFSA, Laurette Adams-Thomas, said keeping children safe during the summer begins with parents taking a proactive approach to supervision.

She pointed out that parents should pay attention to children, especially when they attend beaches or rivers, to prevent drowning.

Mrs Adams-Thomas said parents should be intentional about the people who interact with their children during the holidays, as children are susceptibility to exploitation.

Meanwhile, she said children should know they can speak freely if something or someone makes them feel uncomfortable, whether online or in person.