NATIONAL PARENTS ASSOCIATION WARNS FAMILIES AS LEARNERS BEGIN MORE THAN 35-DAY SCHOOL HOLIDAY

Parents urged to protect children from drug abuse, sexual exploitation, trafficking, child labour and drowning as association calls for responsible parenting and closer supervision.

By Jeff Kizzilah | Digital Editor

NAIROBI, Kenya | 25 October 2026

The National Parents Association has issued an urgent call to parents, guardians and caregivers to take greater responsibility for the safety, welfare and development of children during the ongoing school holiday, which is expected to last more than 35 days.

In an official press statement dated October 25, 2026, the association urged families to use the extended break to strengthen family relationships, nurture children’s talents and teach practical life skills while ensuring learners remain safe, disciplined and engaged in constructive activities.

 

The association warned that the extended period away from school could expose children to various risks, including drug and substance abuse, early and unintended pregnancies, sexual exploitation, child labour, abduction, human trafficking, recruitment into criminal activities and drowning.

It emphasised that parental responsibility must continue even when schools close, calling on adults to provide children with consistent supervision, emotional support, guidance and protection.

FATHERS AND MOTHERS URGED TO SHARE PARENTING RESPONSIBILITIES

The association stressed that fathers and mothers have equally important roles in raising and protecting children, cautioning against leaving parenting responsibilities to one parent alone.

Fathers were encouraged to become more involved in their children’s lives beyond providing financial support, including listening to their concerns, offering emotional guidance and serving as positive role models.

Mothers, guardians and other caregivers were similarly urged to create safe and supportive environments where children can openly discuss their challenges and seek help without fear of punishment or humiliation.

The association further called on separated parents to cooperate respectfully and prioritise the best interests of their children.

WARNING OVER DRUG ABUSE AND SEXUAL EXPLOITATION

The National Parents Association cautioned families to remain alert to the dangers of alcohol, tobacco, nicotine products, cannabis and other harmful substances during the holiday.

Parents were advised to monitor behavioural changes, understand their children’s friendships and whereabouts, and seek professional assistance where substance-related difficulties arise.

On sexual health and protection, the association encouraged age-appropriate discussions about consent, personal boundaries, healthy relationships and reproductive health.

It also warned against sexual exploitation and coercion, urging parents to ensure children can report abuse without fear or stigma. The association emphasised that children who experience pregnancy must receive appropriate healthcare, emotional support and continued educational opportunities.

CHILD LABOUR, TRAFFICKING AND CRIMINAL RECRUITMENT

The association cautioned against exposing children to hazardous work, excessive working hours, forced labour and other forms of exploitation.

While acknowledging that age-appropriate household responsibilities can help children develop practical skills, it insisted that such activities must not compromise their safety, dignity, education or development.

Parents were also urged to remain vigilant against individuals who may lure children with promises of money, gifts, transport, employment or entertainment for exploitative or criminal purposes.

The association called on families to know where their children are going, whom they are meeting and when they are expected to return. Any suspected abduction or missing-child incident should be reported to the police immediately.

DROWNING PREVENTION: PARENTS WARNED AGAINST UNSUPERVISED SWIMMING

Water safety featured prominently in the association’s warning, with parents urged to prevent children from playing in dangerous water bodies, including rivers, dams, quarries, drainage channels and flooded areas.

The association cautioned that even seemingly shallow or calm water can be dangerous because of hidden holes, slippery surfaces, strong currents and sudden changes in water depth.

Parents were encouraged to ensure active adult supervision whenever children participate in permitted swimming activities and to teach them never to enter dangerous water in an attempt to rescue someone who is drowning.

DIGITAL PARENTING AND ONLINE SAFETY

The association also raised concerns about the risks children may encounter while using mobile phones, social media platforms and online games during the school break.

Parents were advised to establish reasonable screen-time limits, monitor online activities in an age-appropriate manner and educate children about cyberbullying, online grooming, fraud and sexual exploitation.

Children should also be taught to protect personal information and avoid unsafe meetings with people they encounter online.

KEEP CHILDREN ENGAGED IN CONSTRUCTIVE ACTIVITIES

To promote positive development, the association encouraged families to establish realistic holiday routines incorporating rest, reading, sports, creative activities, practical skills and family interaction.

Children can also participate in safe community programmes, age-appropriate household activities and schoolwork revision without being overburdened during their break.

The association noted that parents who must work during the holiday should make reliable childcare arrangements and ensure that the adults entrusted with their children are responsible and trustworthy.

It further called on schools, religious institutions, community organisations, healthcare providers, local leaders and child protection authorities to work together in safeguarding vulnerable children.

A CALL FOR RESPONSIBLE PARENTING

In conclusion, the National Parents Association urged families to make the long school holiday a period of safety, learning, family bonding and personal growth.

The association reminded parents that children require more than food, clothing and shelter, emphasising the importance of affection, attention, discipline, positive role models and a secure environment.

It called on every parent, guardian and caregiver to remain actively involved in children’s lives and to report suspected abuse, exploitation, trafficking and other threats through appropriate official channels.

“Let us protect every child, strengthen every family and secure the future of our nation,” the association stated.

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