Most parents wished there was a publication, an online application or some tool that provided all the answers to help them perfect the role of parenting.
Unfortunately, most parents are forced to learn on the job; some get it right, others struggle through it, and sadly, some get it completely wrong and the failure can sometimes follow their offspring into the next generation.
Be that as it may, the majority of parents try their best within the limitations of their capabilities, and economic and social circumstances. Their aim is often to have their children enjoy a better quality of life than they did.
For many Barbadian parents, the school and church provide a safe place to assist children in the socialisation process and their educational journey.
They rightfully expect that in those environments that are supervised by responsible adults, their children will be safe and exposed to experiences that they will enjoy and cherish for years to come.
Sadly, however, too many of our children are being exposed to abuse and sexual exploitation at the hands of adults who were expected to protect and guide them.
Children, in their innocence, place a great degree of trust in people whom they have been led to believe are trustworthy.
Whether it be family members, close family friends, or adults in charge of their supervision, it is heartbreaking and a stain on our society when cases of child sexual abuse occur.
The country was shocked last year by an incident in which a stranger walked into a secondary school during school hours and assaulted a student. While that was a most unusual occurrence, particularly given the level of security that is in place at secondary schools, the number of reports of unsavoury characters who seek to prey on primary school students who are 11 years old and younger is particularly worrying.
We suspect that the number of cases of sexual abuse or attempts at such acts is much higher.
The most recent incident of sexual exploitation of a child that has come to the public’s attention occurred at a primary school in the north, for which an arrest and charges are yet to be made despite the swift action taken by the child’s mother in reporting and following up on what is a most despicable crime.
The fact that this case reportedly involves a non-teaching member of staff and not a stranger has heightened public concern and interest in the case.
Frankly, only the Ministry of Education, the Barbados Police Service and the Child Care Board likely have a full picture of the number of reports of such incidents. As with too many other pieces of valuable and specific data, the public is not provided regularly.
Whether these are isolated incidents or a growing crisis, we do not know. What we can do as a society is demand greater transparency from the competent authorities.
We must reject the often-held position that the good name of any school, or the track record of the school principal, or any other factor should be prioritised above the safety and well-being of the country’s children.
Such a position also runs counter to the official directives of the Child Care Board (CCB), the state agency mandated with the role of child protection.
The CCB has outlined that it is no longer a choice to report cases of child abuse but an obligation under the law.
The agency states on its website: “Every Barbadian citizen or non-national resident in Barbados has a responsibility to protect those who cannot protect themselves, and in this case, children who may be at risk of abuse or neglect. However, although everyone should report child abuse, there are a number of professionals who, because they have frequent contact with children, must report abuse or be held liable by law.”
Among the list of “reporters” who must tell what they see or suspect are principals, teachers and school personnel, administrative officers, supervisors of child welfare and attendance in public and private schools, social workers, probation officers, administrators of public and private camps, youth organisations, child facilities, some counsellors, and all government employees.
Our most vulnerable must be protected and every citizen must ensure our children are safe from predators.
