Parents and guardians have a responsibility to protect their children from avoidable risks. Protecting children goes beyond providing food, shelter and education. It also involves ensuring that the people and circumstances around them do not expose them to unnecessary physical, moral, ethical or social dangers.
One area that requires particular attention is the decision to allow artisans, technicians or other service providers into the home when children are present without adult supervision.
Parents may need plumbers, electricians, carpenters, repairers, installers, cleaners or other professionals to carry out legitimate work in their homes. Many of these workers are honest and hardworking people who provide valuable services. However, the fact that someone has been recommended, introduced by a friend or visited the home previously should not remove the need for reasonable security precautions.
Where possible, parents should arrange for repairs, installations or other work to be carried out when an adult family member, trusted relative or responsible person is available to supervise the activity.
Leaving children alone in the house with an unfamiliar person who has been given unrestricted access to different parts of the home can create unnecessary security risks. Children may also lack the maturity to recognise inappropriate behaviour, manipulation or potential danger.
Parents should therefore know who they are allowing into their homes and should be conscious of the areas to which such persons have access.
Basic precautions can make a significant difference. Service providers should be properly identified and, where appropriate, their details should be verified. Parents can also inform trusted family members or neighbours when a worker is expected and ensure that the person’s activities remain within the agreed area of work.
Children should equally be taught simple safety rules. They should understand that they should not disclose private family information, open restricted areas of the home or allow anyone to take them away without the knowledge and permission of their parents or guardians.
It is important to emphasise that this advice is not an accusation against artisans or service providers. The vast majority of people who provide domestic and technical services are simply doing their jobs. Security awareness is about reducing opportunities for wrongdoing and creating safer environments for everyone.
Parents should also avoid placing the responsibility entirely on children. An adult’s decision to invite someone into the home should come with appropriate verification and supervision, particularly when children are the only ones present.
A security-conscious parent understands that prevention is better than dealing with consequences that may be difficult to reverse.
Protect your home. Protect your children. Verify before you trust, and supervise whenever necessary.
Quote
“Artisans are doing great work, but they should be properly verified, monitored and supervised when children are the only ones at home.”
Just be good. Reflect. Stay alert.
Moruf Yusuf (Ojogbon)
ANIPR, MISN, FCAI, FIIM, MSPSP
📧 maarufism@gmail.com
📧 thesecuremind2026@gmail.com
📞 +2348035479930, +2348028286064
#TheSecureMind
Thursday, 17th September, 2026
Post a Comment