JAKARTA - The issue of child kidnapping has increased recently. Child and adolescent psychologist from the University of Indonesia Vera Itabiliana Hadiwidjojo said the child victim of kidnapping was very prone to trauma, considering that the incident was an experience that could threaten the safety of his soul.
"It is possible that children experience trauma because kidnapping is an experience that brings drastic changes in children's lives and can threaten their souls," Vera said as quoted by ANTARA, Wednesday, March 1.
According to him, when he was a victim of kidnapping, the child would certainly feel scared, anxious that he would not be able to return to his parents, and was confused about what he could do to save himself.
For this reason, Vera said, when the child who was a victim of kidnapping returned to his parents, he should be thoroughly examined to find out what assistance needed to be done.
"What is clear is that children need assistance to eliminate fear and restore their trust in the environment so that they can return to their routines as children," he said.
In line with Vera, psychologist from the University of Indonesia as well as parenting coach Irma Gustiana said the child who was a victim of kidnapping would feel traumatized which made her feel anxious and insecure, so that it could interfere with her daily activities both at school, at home, and elsewhere.
"Trauma can be seen directly or can be a delayed response. So if we can see him in person crying, then his face is scared, then he looks confused, and looks confused. That is a manifestation of trauma due to the experience of the kidnapping," added Irma.
He then suggested that when the child returns to meet his parents after the kidnapping, the first thing parents have to do is check the physical condition of the child to determine if there are any suspicious injuries or signs.
Then, he continued, meet the needs of children's food and drinks, and avoid asking questions about kidnappings or even blaming children.
"Avoid asking what happened or blaming the child was. It will be a trigger and make the child feel guilty or even more afraid," he said.
Irma Gustiana also reminded the importance of increasing parental supervision to prevent child kidnapping, because child safety and security are the responsibility of parents.
"What is certain is that supervision is important. Parents must be responsible for child safety and security," said Irma.
Irma said that several kidnappings were recently based on the rampant sales of body organs to earn money. According to him, weak supervision of parents can be one of the factors that makes it easier for kidnappers to commit these crimes, considering that children are the most vulnerable group that has not been able to protect themselves.
"When the child is not under the supervision of his parents, it will make it easier for the kidnappers to carry out their actions," he added.
In addition to providing supervision, Irma said parents also need to teach their children how to respond to foreigners around them.
Then, teach him how to reject other unknown people's invitations. Also make sure the child is able to convey the contents of his mind. According to Irma, one of them can be trained by playing roleplay.
"So when something happens, children are able to convey their anxiety or fear, for example when in the crowd someone acts strange or suspicious," said Irma.
" also tell the child not to be in a quiet place where no one else is. So they have to gather with their friends or look for adults," he added.
Irma also said it was important for parents to get to know their neighbors around the house, because according to her, kidnapping cases are also very likely to occur in residential areas. Also make sure children do not use excessive accessories that can invite kidnappers.
"For example, excessive jewelry or using smartphones with advanced technology and high prices. It can be targeted by kidnappers to take advantage of the child's weaknesses," he said.
In addition, Irma said teaching self-defense children can be an alternative to prevent kidnapping. However, keep in mind that children are still a helpless group, especially if kidnappings are carried out by some adults.
Agreeing with Irma, child psychologist and Samanta Elsener's family said that even though children have the ability to defend themselves, parental supervision remains the main thing.
"Even though children can defend themselves, their physical strength is still inferior to that of adults who are the kidnappers. Learning martial arts is permissible, but still, children under the age of 12 must be under the supervision of their parents in every situation anywhere and anytime," he said.
"Gand in the child's hand so that it doesn't go far. Don't leave the child to sit or stand alone without a known companion," he concluded.
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