Creating a Safe Space for Children’s Healthy Growth.

While Physical Safety remains a Priority, it is equally important to address the Emotional, Psychological, and Social Well-being of Children.

By Aboderin Enoch

If children must be in safe spaces, it is the responsibility of every adult. Adults need to step up to this responsibility without being told. 

A couple of weeks ago, I was en route home on the Lekki-Epe Express, Lagos-Nigeria.

Just by Alaro City ahead of us were men of the force, with their guns pointed at us in a way to send fear and signal the moving vehicle to come to a halt. 

The small Sienna that conveyed us had myself and three other men in the middle aisle,

while a mom and her kids occupied the aisle behind us.

The kids immediately held their mom in a grip while we pleaded with the driver of the Sienna to obey the forces and halt. 

The policemen had us come down, and he began to ask questions while demanding a search. 

On this day, I was returning from an interview.

So, I was most corporately dressed, and while my bag was being searched, I engaged the men in a discussion.

They thought I was a lawyer, so they gave me a response.

I gave my pleasantries and went straight for the book I wanted to put a right record at:

“Hi, Sir, Good afternoon, sirs. You can’t point a gun at a child that way. It’s so wrong.”

While their response was generally lackadaisical, I ensured to pass my message around.

We got back into the vehicle, and I found it an avenue to preach the gospel of child protection to the adults who were most surprised at my guts.

I would highlight some of the discussion in the course of this piece.

Creating a Safe Space for Children’s Healthy Growth.

Most times, when we get to discuss the subject of child protection and creating a safe space for children,

we get to think about the traditional things and structures that are in place, such as having an adult in place around children during play or recess time.

However, we do not spend the bulk of the time speaking about how some adult activities can make children’s spaces unsafe for their overall well-being. 

The World Health Organisation (WHO) defines health as:

“a state of complete physical, mental, and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity.” 

We can agree that anything that disrupts not just the physical state of a child is a child not in good health. 

The big picture of child protection we have in institutions and even amongst a lot of parents is physical well-being.

The child isn’t injured—maybe injured, but just a little—and overall, very little care is given to their mental and overall emotional well-being.

So, this results in verbal slurs being hurled at children, but that’s okay since there’s no form of physical abuse. 

The children in the vehicle weren’t physically abused,

but as a professional trained in child psychology, I can tell there has been a negative psychological impact on the children.

The traumatic experience of witnessing armed aggression towards adults,

let alone the direct threat implied, can have lasting consequences for a child’s emotional well-being.

The scope of child protection and creating a safe space for children goes beyond the physical tenets we have confined it to.

Creating a Safe Space for Children’s Healthy Growth.

Child protection is a fundamental human right.

It encompasses a wide range of actions and policies designed to safeguard children from harm, abuse, neglect, and exploitation that can only be possible by creating safe spaces for children. 

A safe space for children is an environment where they feel protected, respected, and empowered to grow and learn. 

This can be achieved through:

Emotional Safety: We should foster trust and open communication by encouraging children to express their feelings and concerns without fear of judgment.

We should also promote positive relationships by building strong bonds between children and carers.

Psychological Safety: We should respect children’s individuality by celebrating diversity and uniqueness.

And we should create a supportive learning environment by encouraging exploration, creativity, and curiosity.

We should also establish clear boundaries by setting consistent rules and expectations.

Social Safety: We should promote inclusivity by creating a welcoming space for all children.

And We should teach conflict resolution by equipping children with skills to manage disagreements peacefully,

Furthermore, we should encourage cooperation and teamwork by fostering a sense of community and belonging.

Anytime you, as an adult, are around children or in a child space,

it is important to know that the responsibility of creating a safe space for all the children you are around then lies on you.

If children must be in safe spaces, it is the responsibility of every adult. Adults need to step up to this responsibility without being told. 

Creating a Safe Space for Children’s Healthy Growth.

Let’s explore some more relatable aspects of creating safe spaces for children:

Digital Safety: In today’s digital age, children are increasingly exposed to online risks such as cyberbullying, online predators, and inappropriate content.

Creating safe digital spaces is crucial for child protection.

I am of the personal opinion that contents that have children in it should be made to pass through a vet process,

because some of the content we see on digital spaces, aside from the distasteful content, also leaves some sort of abuse on the children.

Environmental Safety: Children are particularly vulnerable to the impacts of climate change and environmental hazards.

Ensuring a safe and healthy environment is essential for a child’s well-being.

Things like hawking and child labour should be greatly discouraged.

Cultural and Social Norms: Harmful cultural practices and social norms can put children at risk.

Challenging these practices and promoting gender equality are vital components of child protection.

In conclusion, child protection is a complex issue that requires a holistic approach.

While physical safety remains a priority,

it is equally important to address the emotional, psychological, and social well-being of children.

By recognising the interconnectedness of these factors, we can create safer and more nurturing environments for all children.

Also Read: Shackles Of The Physically Challenged Child – Diademng (thediademng.org)

Creating a Safe Space for Children’s Healthy Growth.

About Aboderin Enoch’s: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aboderin-enoch