Children’s art competition supports National Child Protection Week

National Child Protection Week is scheduled for the first week of September, and, in the lead up, the National Association for the Prevention of Child Abuse and Neglect (NAPCAN) have launched their annual children’s art competition, to encourage children’s perspectives and contribution to this important issue.

The competition closes 12 April, and winning artworks will receive a $50 voucher. To participate, children are asked to submit works which depict either a happy childhood, or lighthouses and boats, which will be used to illustrate the idea that parenting can be like sailing a boat.

A NAPCAN spokesperson said the art competition was an important part of National Child Protection Week which is “all about the wellbeing of children, so it’s important that their voices are part of our campaign”

The week provides an opportunity for Government, business and community to come together and promote the safety and wellbeing of all children, with one core message – “protecting children in everyone’s business”

The following tips were offered, as ways in which those passionate about children’s wellbeing can play their part in protecting children from harm:

○ Be kind to children and parents

○ Respect young people

○ Be a good role model around children

○ Get involved in your local community

○ Look out for signs of abuse or neglect; if you suspect something is wrong talk to an expert

○ Always take reports of abuse seriously

○ Avoid blame and don’t judge; instead, ask yourself what you can do to help

○ Listen to the needs of children and spend time with them

For more information or to enter visit www.napcan.org.au/artcomp/