The church is being called on to help in the counselling of abused children, and to assist the authorities in nabbing perpetrators.

During Child Month in May, the Office of the Children’s Advocate (OCA) will commence the distribution of Internet safety guidelines for children. The move is aimed at preventing the exploitation or abuse of children via the Internet. Children’s Advocate, Diahann Gordon Harrison, says the guide dubbed: ‘Be Social…Be Smart’ “is putting power in the hands of parents” to protect their children.

Minister of Education, Youth and Information, Hon. Senator Ruel Reid, is appealing to parents not to choose entertainment over the care and protection of their children. Addressing a ‘Safe Children Forum’ in May Pen earlier this week, Senator Reid noted that parents have been leaving young children at home in the care of older siblings to attend popular entertainment events.