By Roshni Parbhoo- Seetha – SADAG Program Manager: Education

School holidays are often a time of excitement, relaxation, and fun. They provide children and teenagers with an opportunity to rest from the pressures of school, exams, homework, and extracurricular activities. However, holidays can also bring new challenges for families. Changes in routine, increased time at home, loneliness, boredom, family conflict, or being left home alone can affect a young person’s safety and Mental Health.

As parents, guardians, and caregivers, creating a safe environment goes beyond locking doors and setting rules. It also means checking in on your child’s Mental Health and ensuring they know they are supported, valued, and never alone.

Emotional Safety is Just as Important as Physical Safety

Children and teenagers thrive on routine, connection, and feeling secure. During the holidays, many of these routines change. While some children enjoy the freedom, others may struggle with the lack of structure or miss their friends, teachers, and the support they receive at school.

For some young people, school is a place where they feel safe, connected, and supported. During the holidays they may feel isolated, particularly if parents or caregivers are working long hours or if they are spending much of the day alone.

Parents and caregivers can support their children’s Mental Health by:

• Keeping a regular routine for meals, sleep, and daily activities where possible.

• Spending quality time together, even if it is only 10–20 minutes of uninterrupted conversation each day.

• Encouraging children to stay engaged in meaningful activities that suit their environment and available resources, such as helping with household responsibilities, reading, drawing, storytelling, listening to music, or spending time with trusted family members.

• Taking an interest in what children are watching, playing, or doing online if they have access to phones or other devices.

• Talking openly about emotions and reminding children that all feelings are normal and okay to talk about.

One simple question each day can make a meaningful difference:

“How are you really doing today?”

Sometimes children don’t need solutions, they simply need someone who will listen without interrupting or judging.

Supporting Families Where They Are

Every family is different. During the school holidays, many parents and caregivers continue working and may not have the option of staying at home. Some children spend their days with grandparents, older siblings, neighbours, or extended family, while others may be at home on their own for parts of the day.

Many families may also face additional challenges such as limited access to safe recreational spaces, reliable electricity, internet, or organised holiday activities. These realities do not mean children cannot enjoy a safe and meaningful holiday.

Children do not need expensive outings or constant entertainment. What they need most is to know there is an adult who cares about them, listens to them, and checks in on how they are feeling.

A phone call during the day, sharing a meal together, asking about their day, or simply spending a few minutes talking before bedtime can strengthen a child’s sense of safety, belonging, and emotional wellbeing.

When Children Are Left Home Alone

Many parents do not have the option of staying home during the holidays. If children are old enough and responsible enough to be left alone, preparation is essential.

Before leaving home, ensure they:

• Know how to contact you and another trusted adult.

• Have emergency contact numbers displayed where they can easily find them.

• Know what to do in an emergency.

• Understand the rules about answering the door and speaking to strangers.

• Know which neighbours or nearby family members they can approach if they need help.

• Feel comfortable contacting you if they are feeling anxious, lonely, or unsafe.

If possible, check in during the day with a phone call or message. Even a brief conversation can reassure children that someone is thinking about them and is available if they need support.

Hosting Other Children During the Holidays

When children invite friends over, the responsibility extends beyond providing snacks and entertainment. Host families play an important role in creating a safe and respectful environment.

Parents and caregivers should:

• Know who is visiting and have contact details for their parents or guardians.

• Set clear expectations about respectful behaviour before the visit begins.

• Ensure children know which areas of the home are appropriate for play.

• Secure medications, alcohol, cleaning products, sharp objects, and other potentially dangerous items.

• Supervise appropriately while still allowing children age-appropriate independence.

• Encourage kindness, inclusion, and respect so every child feels welcome.

Talk About Personal Safety

School holidays provide a good opportunity to have age-appropriate conversations about personal safety.

Children should know:

• They have the right to say “no” if someone makes them feel uncomfortable.

• Safe adults will never ask them to keep secrets about touching or inappropriate behaviour.

• They should tell a trusted adult immediately if they feel unsafe, frightened, threatened, or pressured.

• It is always okay to ask for help.

Protecting Children Online

Many children spend more time using phones, televisions, gaming devices, or social media during the holidays, while others may have limited or no access to technology.

Recognising When a Child May Be Struggling

Look out for changes in mood, sleep, appetite, withdrawal, anxiety, hopelessness, or loss of interest in activities. These changes do not always mean a child has a Mental Health condition, but they may indicate that the child needs support.

Build Connection Every Day

Research consistently shows that feeling connected to caring adults is one of the strongest protective factors for positive Mental Health. Connection does not have to cost money. A shared meal, conversation, story, prayer, or simply listening can make a lasting difference.

Talk About Mental Health

Mental Health should be discussed as naturally as physical health. Let children know it is okay to ask for help and that they never have to face difficult feelings alone.

Know When to Reach Out for Help

If a child appears persistently sad, anxious, withdrawn, overwhelmed, or begins talking about hopelessness, self-harm, or suicide, take these concerns seriously and seek professional Mental Health support as soon as possible.

A Safe Holiday Starts With Feeling Seen

Wherever you live, children benefit from feeling loved, heard, and supported. Every conversation, every check-in, and every moment spent listening helps build resilience.

If you are concerned about your child’s Mental Health or emotional wellbeing, remember that support is available. The South African Depression and Anxiety Group (SADAG) offers free Mental Health information, support, and referrals. Call 0800 567 567 to speak to a trained counsellor or access SADAG’s free Mental Health resources. 

Image: Aspeling High School Learners