Parent Information Night: Summary Report

The recent Parent Information Night provided valuable insights on child safety, parenting, and the role of families in supporting learners. Below is a summary of the key themes discussed:

1. Cellphone Safety and Online Behaviour

1. Statistics on cellphone use and its risks were shared.

2. Many children do not make the connection between the phone and the real world.

3. Risks highlighted included dating strangers, unsafe online apps, photo sharing, and exposure to harmful trends.

4. Concerns about children hiding aspects of their online lives from parents.

5. Bedtime routines and the dangers of allowing phones in the bedroom were emphasized.

6. Parents’ own cellphone habits set the tone for their children’s behaviour.

2. Parenting Influence and Child Development

• Children often show different personalities at home and at school, influenced by circumstances.

• Parents’ habits (smoking, vaping, cellphone use, conversations) strongly shape children’s habits.

• Importance of parents playing with their children, giving compliments, and leading by example.

• Children learn through observation and are very sensitive to the way parents speak and act.

• Avoid badmouthing the other parent or educators, as it negatively affects the child’s education, focus, and respect for authority.

3. Child Protection and Safety Concerns

• Many perpetrators of child harm are known to the family.

• “The village hurts the child” – vigilance is required in relationships parents keep.

• Parents were reminded not to allow children to be left in vulnerable situations, such as sleeping out without supervision.

• Human trafficking methods, dangers of posting children on social media, and risky online platforms (Volt App, CSAM, Snapchat, Roblox gaming) were discussed.

• Children are influenced by peers, transport drivers, and online strangers, sometimes coerced into risky behaviours such as vaping, smoking, selling goods, or sharing inappropriate images.

4. Practical Parenting Strategies

• Have open and consistent conversations with children.

• Discipline should not involve hiding or neglect; find safe, legal alternatives.

• Encourage responsibility and accountability in children.

• Protect children by knowing their friends and the families they interact with.

• Be mindful of the conversations we have around children; they absorb more than we realize.

• Compliment and affirm your children so they do not seek validation elsewhere.

5. Child Wellbeing and Mental Health

• Addressing personal trauma is crucial – parents were encouraged to seek help and make use of free counselling services available.

• Children in child-headed households live “double lives” and need extra understanding and support.

• Encouragement for parents to engage in active parenting, healthy routines (bedtime, nutrition), and continuous dialogue with their children.

6. School’s Role

• The school acknowledged the reality of bullying and the need to partner with parents in addressing it.

• Parents were encouraged to engage with the school’s platforms and monitor who follows or interacts with school social media pages.

• The school’s Guidance Department, supported by the Social Worker, is available to assist parents. Parents are welcome to email their concerns and are strongly encouraged to remain actively involved in their children’s education and wellbeing.

Conclusion

The evening highlighted that parenting in the digital age requires intentionality, vigilance, and positive conduct. Parents were reminded that change starts at home: “If we want our children to change, we must change too.”

Ongoing collaboration between parents, the school, and learners will strengthen child protection, wellbeing, and academic success.

Warm Regards

📧 Ms. M. Mnisi – Social Worker

Email: rhssocialworker@gmail.com

📧 Ms. Robertson – Head of Guidance Department

Email: dhguidance.rhs@gmail.com

We look forward to working with you to support your child’s success.