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Protecting Our Children |
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Recently, news reports frequently highlight crimes involving children as
victims. This is a worrying issue for everyone, as children are precious gifts
from God entrusted to parents to nurture into responsible individuals for their
family and nation. In response to the rising number of such cases, Malaysia’s
judiciary has set up the Sexual Crime Court for Children at the Palace of
Justice in Putrajaya. Therefore, it is crucial to identify effective ways to
safeguard children and protect them from harm.
The primary responsibility in addressing this issue lies with parents. Many
crimes happen because children lack the awareness to judge whether a situation
is safe or dangerous. Parents must constantly supervise and pay attention to
their children when together. Neglecting children, especially due to
distractions like smartphones, should be avoided as offenders are becoming
younger and more cunning in carrying out their harmful intentions. Parents
should hold their children’s hands whenever outside the home and accompany them
at all times. As the Malay proverb says, a one-year-old child is like a stalk of
corn with only a drop of blood — meaning children are young, less aware, and
without strong opinions, so parental guidance and vigilance are vital.
Another important measure to enhance children’s safety is teaching them
self-defense. Today, various self-defense classes are available specifically for
children. Learning these skills empowers children to protect themselves when
they feel threatened or in danger. Beyond personal safety, children also get to
appreciate traditional martial arts like silat and taekwondo, which promote
discipline and mental strength. With proper and holistic instruction from
qualified teachers, children become better prepared to face safety challenges.
Furthermore, mass media plays a significant role in raising public awareness
about the increasing risks to children’s safety. Media outlets should regularly
air campaigns and programs related to child protection, so society—especially
parents and childcare providers—recognizes the urgency and takes proactive steps
to prevent children from falling victim to crime. Media coverage also helps
rally community support to find and rescue missing or kidnapped children.
In summary, ensuring children’s safety requires committed parenting, teaching
self-defense, and active media involvement. By working together, we can create a
safer environment where children can grow up protected and confident. |
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