Summer Vacation Dangers: Kids Left Alone at Risk
During summer vacation, many children are left unsupervised at home while their parents work. These unsupervised children face various safety risks.
A child's safety is a paramount concern for parents, regardless of whether the child is at the playground or using a computer. However, adult supervision remains essential.
"The playground is a lot of fun! There are always other children there, and we have a great time together," one child told Radio Moldova. "I don't feel unsafe, and even if someone bothers us, I have my friends around. If I ever get scared, I know I can talk to my parents. They always know how to make me feel better."
Another child expressed concerns about safety at the playground: "There are always cars around the playground, and they could hit us by accident. I'm usually not alone, but I feel safe with my friends."
Parental approaches to child safety vary. Some parents acknowledge leaving their children home alone for short periods.
"I can keep a close eye on her because I work from home online," explained one parent. "I try to keep her occupied with various activities and make sure she has playtime outside in the yard."
"Yes, I sometimes leave my child at home for a short while to watch TV, just until I get back from the grocery store," another parent admitted.
"We have two children, ages 6 and 8," said another parent. "We cannot afford to leave them unattended for even a short while. Fortunately, we have grandparents nearby who are a great help. I strongly advise parents against leaving their children unsupervised for even a few minutes. A child's life, and the parents' lives, can change dramatically in a very short time. It's always better to take your children with you than to leave them unsupervised."
According to police data, 65 children in Moldova were in risky situations during the first month of summer vacation. Of these children, 31 were between 2 and 6 years old. The police reported 40 falls from heights, including slides and trees. Four other children drowned. Most incidents, totaling 38, occurred at home.
Tragically, this week on July 18, two children were electrocuted while playing in a park in the capital's Botanica sector. The 6-year-old boy and the 11-year-old girl reportedly came into contact with wires that caused a short circuit. The children were immediately transported to the hospital by ambulance, but the girl died.
Translation by Iurie Tataru
