We are a week into the second term school holidays and the number of children left to their own devices, playing on roadsides, in creeks is astounding.

This is ridiculous to say the least. Parents need to take responsibility of their children and ensure they are not left to play outside unsupervised.

More parents need to be taken to task for negligence if their children are hurt or lose their lives while left unsupervised.

This tough love is needed if parents are to be serious about their responsibilities. We have seen too many children lose their lives because they were left with elder children to play in creeks and even on roadsides.

To take the example of playing on roadsides. It is often the drivers of vehicles who have to live with the trauma of someone losing their lives in an accident where their cars are involved.

The drivers may not be charged or even walk free from the court of law, but no one easily gets over an incident where lives are lost.

And many times drivers do not walk free. But such an accident can easily be avoided only if parents are vigilant.

It is mind boggling watching children swim in flooded creeks or at times of natural disasters, swimming in rivers and open seas.

Parents have the responsibility of keeping their children safe and leaving them to play on roadsides or swim in creeks is not what a responsible adult would allow.

Feedback: jyotip@fijisun.com.fj