Keeping children safe and well is everyone’s responsibility

National Child Protection Week (6-12 September) is celebrating 30 years and this year’s theme is ‘Putting children first’.

Children thrive when their families get the support they need and we know families do best when they are part of connected communities with access to formal and informal support.

Here are some simple but effective things we can all do every day of the year to help keep children safe and well and support local families:

Smile and say hello to people in your local neighbourhood.

Children feel safer when they know the people in their community.

Be a good listener. 

Sometimes people just want to talk and feel listened to.

Be kind and supportive to parents rather than judging or being competitive. Encourage people to seek support if they need it.

If you see a family that is facing challenges, it is important that they get help as soon as possible before the problem gets bigger. You may need to ask advice from an expert about what to do, especially if you suspect that the children are at risk of harm

Swap phone numbers with other families.

Let them know if you are doing something they could join in with e.g. going to the park to play.

Offer help and accept others help.

People don’t offer help unless they mean it, so it’s ok to say ‘yes’.

Take a moment to think about children in your school or community who might need extra support and how you might be able to help.

Being kind and respectful, being a good role model, and offering practical help such as lifts or meals, are a great start.

You may not always feel like it, but connecting with your community is good for everyone.

Joining playgroups, parenting groups or sports clubs will help you and your children to have fun and meet people.

Check in with your friends from time to time if you know they are busy looking after children.

Sometimes a friendly message or brief chat can mean a lot and be a huge help to a family.

Please always speak up if you see something that is not safe for children.

Check out some of the great resources available on the National Child Protection Week website www.napcan.org.au

Council is committed to providing and actively promoting a safe environment for children and young people with its draft Child Safeguarding Policy.