Police warning parents not to use common tactic on children
It’s often a last resort used by desperate parents in a bid to get their children under control.
Many parents across the nation have warned their offspring that if they don’t behave, they’ll be left with no choice but to beckon law enforcements.
But police are asking parents not to taint their image in the eyes of kids when it comes to disciplining young ones.
Kuring Gai Police Area Command in Sydney’s north took to Facebook last week to address parents falling foul when it comes to the tactic.
“It’s something we hear way too often while on the beat through shopping centres,” they said.
“’Oh, there’s the police. You’d better be good, or they will arrest you, take you away and put you in jail’.”
The post suggested parents take a different approach with their children to ensure they grow up trusting the police.
“Please, tell your children we’re the good ones,” the post said.
“Tell them, we’re the ones who are there to help them, their friends, their mum and dad, brothers and sisters.
“Tell them, if they get lost, we’ll gladly help them find ‘their lost mum or dad’. If they need help, look for one of us and we’ll be more than happy to assist.”
The post went on to suggest if children grow up fearing police, they will be reluctant to ask for help when needed.
“Next time, when you and your children walk past police officers in the shopping centre, give them a wave and say hi,” police advised.
“If it’s me you wave to, I promise to wave and say hi back.”
The post was inundated with dozens of comments from users praising the work of police and revealing their personal drives in creating positive images of officers for their kids.
“What a great point to make,” one user proclaimed.
“We do appreciate you enormously,” another said.
“I remind my children when we see the news and the police are in harms way that you are also mothers and fathers. Thank you for all your hard work on behalf of the community.”
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