POLICE have issued a warning to parents across the state as the vast majority of children prepare to return to classrooms full-time from today.
Public schools will return full-time from Monday, prompting authorities to urge parents to ensure their children are prepared to stay safe outside the care of an adult. Minister for Police and Emergency Services David Elliott said he wanted the community to feel "empowered to return to a way of life where they feel safe and protected".
"Police are often the frontline responders to child protection matters and we are constantly using better techniques and technology to detect child abuse," he said.
Child Abuse and Sex Crimes Squad Commander Detective Superintendent John Kerlatec said most cases of child abuse were at the hands of a person known to the child or online.
He said the return to school remained a timely moment to remind children how to stay safe.
"With so many children returning to school, it is important we arm them with the knowledge of what they can do to stay safe when they are not in the care of an adult," Detective Superintendent Kerlatec said.
"Police will always be committed to protecting kids from harm, but do not underestimate the impact you can have as a parent or carer by educating your children on how to stay safe."
Tips include ensuring parents or guardians are aware of where children are, not talking to strangers, walking near busy roads and streets, walking directly to destinations and knowing where safe places are if an incident occurs.
