“I’m Glad I’m Childless”: SA Worried About Children’s Safety Amid Back-to-School Preps

• South Africans were concerned about the safety of scholars amid the busy back-to-school preparations
• Mzansi people suggested that parents invest in trackers to avoid having to put out search parties for their missing children 
• A famous TikTokker, Dominic Zaca, broke the topic down on his social media and received good engagement 
• A GPS-tracking device for kids has been made available and approved by experts
• The Western Cape Education Department shared with Briefly News how they plan to keep schools safe during the 2025 academic year

Now that the festive season is over, parents are confronted with long stationery lists that cost a fortune to buy.

Dominic Zaca redirected guardians to another serious topic amid the back-to-school preparations.

SA worried about children’s safety amid back-to-school preps

A considerable number of children have gone missing over the past year. Some were pronounced dead after parents sent out search parties to help look for their missing children.

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Most children are trafficked by strangers who pick them up from school, claiming to be relatives or lured into a vehicle by dangling a treat in front of them. Parents may train their little ones to be careful of weird interactions with strangers, but traffickers have gotten creative.

A famous TikTokker, Dominic Zaca, suggested that parents invest in tracking devices they could plant in shoes, hair or backpacks to locate their children easily. Zaca said:

“Please invest in your children’s safety.”

Watch the video below:

Children's tracking device recommended by experts 

The number of missing children has inspired experts to investigate the use of a kids’ tracking device to help locate missing children easily. An article by ZDNET shares the benefits of investing in a tracking device.

Experts and parents favoured the Apple AirTag since it's reasonably priced and uses Apple's comprehensive Find My network for accurate tracking.

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The device is tiny enough to attach to a jacket or backpack or even slip into a pocket. There's no monthly fee, and the battery lasts around a year—after which you can replace the CR2032 battery.

 Western Cape Education Department shares plans for school safety

MEC David Maynier explained that The Western Cape Education Department (WCED) invests heavily in the safety of learners while they are at school:

“We have 64 School Resource Officers operating in high-risk schools, who are law enforcement officers stationed at our schools to tackle crime and safety matters. We subsidise holiday security at over 400 schools every school holiday when schools are at greatest risk.

“We also continue to support our schools through violence prevention initiatives, holiday programmes, improved access control, and the Safe Schools call centre.”

The WCED also shared that they are unable to control what happens away from school in the community when children are going to and from school, they do recommend that parents and learners practice the following safety measures:

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• Learners picked up at their school by parents or caregivers, should remain within the school property until they have visibly identified their mode of transport.
• Learners who require public transport and walk to their relevant departure areas should travel in groups at all times. However, where feasible, parents must please arrange for this to be as close to the school as possible.
• Parents must also adhere to the school's opening and closing times and should not drop off their children before the school gate is officially open and supervised.
• Parents and schools should also ensure that learners know “stranger danger”. While we do not want to frighten them, they must know they should be wary and run away if any stranger approaches them. They should also not accept any free food, drinks, money or objects from strangers and should report any suspicious characters to school staff members as soon as possible.

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Mzansi reacts to children’s safety amid back-to-school preps

Social media users share their thoughts in a thread of comments:

@ShudusNancy plugged the parents:

“AirTag, you won’t go wrong.”

@YT:Thato Kganyago pointed out:

“Also, small kids who walk themselves to school.”

@Thando Ncula said:

“I opted for homeschooling this year. I'm terrified.”

@Abongile Lolie helped spread the word:

“I don't have a child, but I am sharing this important video all over right now. Very helpful, sweetheart.”

@thabisheshemathib: 

“This info should trend to build awareness.”

@Mpilo Lloyd Mpisana was relieved:

“Reasons I am glad I am childless.”

3 More school-related stories by Briefly News

• SA applauds student honouring school’s maintenance man at prestigious dinner
• Mzansi reacts lady for becoming her favourite teacher’s colleague
• 27-Year-old appointed as head for maths at Ramaphosa School

Source: Briefly News