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Paula Lindo Friday 8 May 2020

The Children’s Authority is encouraging parents and guardians to monitor their child’s emotional health, following the reported death of a 14-year-old girl, allegedly by suicide.

In a release, the authority said parents should stay attuned to their child’s emotional state as well as their changing behaviours, since children communicate using emotions and/or behaviours. It said once parents recognise a change in their mood or behaviour or if they appear to be in emotional or psychological distress, they should speak to the child and allow them the space to speak about how they feel. It urged parents to seek professional help.

The authority said parents and guardians are encouraged to talk openly with their children about how they are coping with the stay-at-home measures since they are away from their school, friends and social circle. It advised them to work out a plan with their children about coping in these times, as this would allow children to openly share their concerns and assist parents in determining if there is a need to seek professional support for their children.

It acknowledged that parents and guardians might also be overwhelmed because of covid19 and the stay-at-home measures, causing them not to recognise the signs and symptoms when a child might be in distress. The authority called on parents and guardians to take a moment, seek help for family members and their social environment, and call any of the following numbers for further professional assistance.

Child Line 800-4321

Lifeline (suicide) 645-2800

Families in Action 628-2333

National Family Services Division 624-8218/627-1163

National Domestic Violence Hotline 800-SAVE

Student Support Services Division 724-1010

It said if child abuse is suspected, the public should call the authority at 996 or the police at 999.

First posted https://newsday.co.tt/2020/05/08/childrens-authority-parents-should-monitor-children/