As learners across Gauteng settle into the winter school holidays, parents and community members in Atteridgeville and Laudium are calling for increased vigilance to ensure children’s safety during the break.
The concern comes as public schools in Gauteng remain closed from 26 June to 21 July 2026, a period during which children spend more time outdoors, travel to visit family members, and participate in recreational activities.
For many families in Atteridgeville, the school holidays bring added challenges, particularly for working parents who may struggle to supervise their children throughout the day.
Atteridgeville parent Pretty Maluleke said child safety should be a shared responsibility between parents and the broader community.
“Many parents go to work during the school holidays, which means some children are left at home or spend time outside without supervision. As communities, we need to look out for each other’s children and make sure they are safe,” she said.
In Laudium, community member Arnold Maseko expressed concern about the amount of time children spend online during school holidays.
“Children spend much more time on their phones and social media when schools are closed. Parents need to educate them about online dangers and monitor who they are talking to online,” he said.
Atteridgeville grandmother Sarah Maseko said communities should provide more structured activities to keep children occupied and out of harm’s way.
“There should be more sporting activities and educational programmes during school holidays. When children are busy and supervised, they are less likely to find themselves in dangerous situations,” she said.
The concerns raised by residents come after the Gauteng Department of Community Safety and the Gauteng Department of Education issued a joint statement urging parents, guardians and caregivers to prioritise children’s safety during the winter school holidays.
According to the department, children are often exposed to increased risks during school breaks due to spending more time outdoors, travelling, visiting friends and relatives, and engaging in recreational activities.
The departments encouraged parents to ensure children are supervised, know their home addresses and emergency contact details, practise road safety, avoid dangerous areas such as rivers, dams, construction sites and abandoned buildings, and remain cautious when interacting with strangers online and in person.
Authorities also called on communities to report cases of child abuse, neglect, exploitation, missing children and suspicious criminal activities to the nearest police station.
The Gauteng government further emphasised that safeguarding children is not solely the responsibility of parents but requires cooperation from communities, educators, law enforcement officials and local safety structures.
As the winter holidays continue, parents in Atteridgeville and Laudium say community involvement and parental vigilance will play a critical role in ensuring children return to school safely when the new term resumes.
