Nyeri: As the country approaches the long December holiday, the anticipation among families is palpable, with schools set to close on October 24. This break marks the beginning of a period filled with examinations for many students, as Primary, Junior, and Secondary Schools prepare for KPSEA, KILEA, KJSEA, and KCSE exams.
According to Kenya News Agency, the Nyeri County Director of Children Services, Joseph Mburu, has urged parents to closely monitor their children during this holiday. He emphasized the importance of keeping children engaged in beneficial activities to prevent potential risks associated with long holidays when children are often left unsupervised as parents work.
Mburu highlighted the need for a safe and conducive home environment, advising parents to ensure responsible adults are always present to supervise children and mitigate risks. He stressed the importance of making homes child-friendly, given the potential for accidents in spaces with hazardous tools or environments.
He further advised that children should participate in age-appropriate household chores to foster responsibility without feeling overburdened. Simple tasks like making beds or cleaning rooms can help children develop a sense of responsibility.
Mburu also emphasized the importance of maintaining structure and discipline during holidays, cautioning against habits like oversleeping, skipping meals, and excessive screen time. He recommended that children maintain a routine that includes productive activities and social interactions that promote teamwork and creativity.
The Director also addressed the significance of spiritual guidance, urging parents to involve their children in community and church activities that uphold positive values. He cautioned against exposing children to inappropriate online content and advised limiting screen time based on age, alongside employing the 20-20-20 rule to prevent eye strain.
Additionally, Mburu warned about unguided access to unsafe areas, emphasizing the importance of open communication and trust between parents and children. This trust, he noted, allows children to share their challenges and experiences freely.
Reflecting on past advice from former Nyeri County Children Officer Kung'u Mwaniki, concerns about online safety were reiterated. Mwaniki had previously warned of the dangers of unsupervised access to digital devices, which can lead to cyberbullying and online exploitation.
The United Nations International Children's Emergency Fund (UNICEF) has highlighted that cyberbullying can lead to absenteeism from school and negatively impact mental health, leading some children to harmful coping mechanisms.
Overall, the emphasis remains on vigilant parental supervision and the need for a balanced approach to ensure children's safety and development during the holiday season.