Child Safety

Child Safety

                      Every living organism protects and nurtures its young ones. It is surprising how birds meticulously gather material to build nests and foster their offspring with tender care and nursing. Probably man learned this art from birds and animals. And the Americans seem to have aced this, for child safety is a genuine priority here. It is more evident on the roads. No child is to be in any car unless it is comfortably fastened into a seat, specifically designed by manufacturers. How so ever fond the child’s parents are, the State will have no compromise whatsoever. It cannot be cuddled into the maternal console or even by itself on the front seat to share its stories with the father. Until it is eight years old or tall by four feet and nine inches, it is forbidden to fancy an ordinary seat. The expectant mother cannot go into labour without a car seat for the new arrival. Similarly, a great drama unfolds when school buses stop on the roads to accommodate or unload the little angels. These yellow buses are distinct from other buses by their design and shade. Wherever this happens to be, all vehicles except ambulances are to come to a grinding halt on all lanes. Only after the school bus driver chooses to move, others have to follow suit. This national protocol highlights the priority given to children’s safe transportation. No trader is permitted to sell  tobacco or spirit to anyone below 16 years of age. A child’s hesitation to go home or to school fearing physical intimidation may result in serious legal consequences to a parent or a teacher. Someone who had attempted or perpetrated an inappropriate overtuture on children not only deserves harsh sentence but also carries with him an anti-social stigma throughout his life so that he is tracked, watched and notified to the community in which he happens to live after he completes his term.   A salute to those cute dew drops. As someone said, it’s not enough to love the children, it is necessary that they are aware that they are loved.