28 children correspond to 28 moments of panic, 28 heart-stopping families and also 28 clear warnings about a not new but always underestimated issue: The responsibility of adults in childcare.
In many stories of lost children, the common reactions of adults are: "Just a little carelessness", "too crowded so I don't pay attention", "the child runs too fast"... But those reasons, after all, cannot hide a reality: Children are not able to protect themselves like adults, so every "moment of carelessness" of adults can become a risk.
In crowded places such as beaches, shopping centers, festivals... just a few minutes of not paying attention, children can be drawn into the crowd, lose direction, and even face the risk of accidents, drowning, or being exploited by bad guys. At that time, the consequences are no longer "a scare" but may be prolonged psychological trauma, or more seriously.
Letting children get lost is not simply an incident, but a manifestation of subjectivity in care responsibility.
Some opinions say that during peak periods with tens of thousands of people, control is very difficult. That is true, but it cannot become a reason to justify the lack of preparation.
Because it is precisely in crowded conditions, with higher risks, that the requirement for responsibility must be raised. Adults need to proactively anticipate situations: What if the child gets lost? Does the child know who to look for? Does the child remember the phone number? Does the child recognize the support force? Without those minimum preparations, taking the child to crowded places is already a risk.
Preventing children from straying is not too complicated, but it requires discipline and consistency from adults. First of all, it is necessary to clearly identify the person primarily responsible for taking care of children at each time. There is no such thing as "everyone taking care of" but in fact "no one taking care of".
Second, always keep children within sight, especially in dangerous areas such as beaches, swimming pools, and busy roads. If necessary, hold hands or use support measures such as identification bracelets or GPS devices.
Third, teach children basic skills: Remember parents' names, phone numbers, know how to seek functional forces or support areas when lost, do not follow strangers.
Fourth, establish a "safe meeting point" before participating in crowded activities, so that children know what to do if they do not see relatives.
In the case in Vung Tau, the discovery and safe return of 28 children to their families is a great effort of the rescue force and support units. But that cannot be a "safe net" to reassure adults.
The story of 28 lost children in Vung Tau needs to become a reminder to parents. Keeping children safe is the most important thing in all trips with children accompanying them. The responsibility of adults is that every holiday trip is a fun trip and does not become a haunting memory with unpredictable consequences.
