Child safety this Easter: Campaigns call for caution around alcohol | #childsafety | #kids | #chldern | #parents | #schoolsafey

As South Africa celebrates the Easter holidays, national campaigns like Hold My Hand and Rethink Your Drink are calling on communities to prioritise the safety and well-being of children and teenagers.

While Easter is a time for family and celebration, it’s also a period when alcohol-related harms, road accidents, and water-related incidents increase, often affecting the nation’s youngest and most vulnerable.

Children’s safety is everyone’s responsibility

Mesuli Kama, network mobilisation lead at Hold My Hand, highlights the urgent need for collective action.
Kuma said that every day, 3 000 children are born in South Africa, and their future depends on the safety and stability we provide.

The National Strategy to Accelerate Action for Children (NSAAC), approved by Cabinet in December, prioritises protecting children from abuse, violence, injuries, and harmful substances.

Also read: Hartzstraat’s fantastic four retire with more than 130 years of combined service

Rethink alcohol norms during holidays

Rethink Your Drink, an alcohol harm reduction campaign by the DG Murray Trust, points out that heavy drinking disrupts families and contributes to disease and injuries.

“Alcohol is often seen as part of the vibe during holidays, but heavy drinking by adults leads to neglect, trauma, and direct harm to children,” said Kashifa Ancer, campaign manager. The campaigns encourage moderation or sobriety, especially when supervising children or driving.

Practical tips to keep children safe during the holiday:

• Ensure drivers are sober and all passengers wear seatbelts
• Never leave children unattended near pools, rivers, or the sea, particularly where alcohol is being consumed
• Pregnant individuals should avoid alcohol entirely
• Use the holiday to spend meaningful time with children, nurturing their curiosity and creating safe spaces

While these precautions are critical during Easter, both campaigns continue to advocate for year-round structural changes, including restricting alcohol advertising, implementing minimum pricing, and limiting trading hours to reduce alcohol-related harms that disproportionately affect vulnerable families.

By thinking beyond individual choices and prioritising children’s safety, communities across South Africa, including the West Rand, can help ensure that the holiday remains a time of joy and protection for the next generation.