Keeping Children Safe and Well During the School Holidays

03 Jul Keeping Children Safe and Well During the School Holidays

School holidays are a wonderful time for children and young people to relax, explore, and spend more time with family and friends. But with the change in routine, there are a few important areas where parents and carers can help keep children safe, happy, and healthy.

From online safety to mental wellbeing, nutrition, and community awareness, here are some helpful reminders for the holidays.

Internet Safety

• With extra free time, children often spend more hours online. To help them use the internet safely:
• Talk regularly about what apps and games they’re using, and who they’re speaking to.
• Set clear boundaries and time limits to balance screen use with offline activities.
• Check privacy settings on apps and ensure location sharing is turned off.
• Encourage children to think critically about what they see online and avoid sharing personal information.
• Use parental controls and filters where possible.
• Lead by example with your own screen habits.

Supporting Mental Health and Wellbeing

The lack of school structure can sometimes impact children’s routines and emotional wellbeing. You can support them by:

• Keeping a routine with regular mealtimes, bedtimes, and activities.
• Encouraging outdoor play, exercise, and time in nature.
• Helping them stay connected with friends and family in positive ways.
• Creating space for open conversations about feelings.
• Balancing online time with offline hobbies like reading, crafts, or sports.

Look out for warning signs such as withdrawal, changes in sleep or eating, low mood, or loss of interest in favourite activities. If you’re worried, reach out for support.

Nutrition During Holidays

Without the structure of school meals, healthy eating can slip. Encourage balanced meals, limit convenience snacks, and involve children in preparing simple, nutritious foods. Routines around mealtimes can make a big difference.

Stranger Safety

As children spend more time outdoors, it’s important to remind them:

• Not all strangers are safe—stick to trusted adults like teachers or police officers.
• Never go anywhere with someone they don’t know, even if offered treats or told a story.
• Adults shouldn’t ask children for help; if they do, it’s okay to say no and walk away.
• Families can create a code word for unexpected pick-ups.
• Parents can reinforce this by role-playing scenarios, supervising younger children, and teaching body autonomy. Online stranger danger is just as important, remind children never to share personal information with people they don’t know.

With these simple steps, families can enjoy the holidays with confidence, knowing children and young people are safe, supported, and thriving.