PARENTAL SUPERVISION

At last, summer is here! Longer daylight hours and warm summer nights are an invitation for leisure and relaxation. However, the Family Advocacy Program (FAP) wants to remind parents that active supervision of children and teens is a constant responsibility. From birth to age 5, supervision should focus on direct visual, auditory and immediate proximity of young children. Set up your environment so you can easily observe, listen, and be quickly accessible to young children.

As children grow and develop, supervision can be adjusted to allow for gradual independence, emphasizing a safe environment and safe social interactions. Teens up to age 18, require supervision from risky behaviors, such as alcohol and drug use. Research indicates that teens who experience close parental supervision are less likely to engage in risky behaviors. No matter the age, parents are responsible for keeping their children from hurting themselves or others.

FAP encourages parents to familiarize themselves with the MCoE/Fort Benning Regulation 210-5 Home Alone policy, violation of this policy may result in legal action. Please visit FAP at Building 36 for resources on parenting, prevention of child abuse and neglect and domestic abuse/intimate partner violence. We can be reached by calling 706-545-3202 or 706-626-2614.