Do your kids need a bodyguard?
Shubha Shetty-Saha
Monday, January 08, 2007 21:10 IST
Email Article Print Article
Most Emailed Articles RSS Feed
Most Viewed Articles Search This Site
If security agencies are to be believed, a lot of rich parents have already hired professionals to keep an eye on their children.
Actor Ronit Roy, who also runs a security agency says, "We already have clients who have hired professionals to look over their kids. We appoint people to keep an eye on the children, according to the threat perception."
However, Ronit says for his own daughter Ador, he wouldn't want a bodyguard.
"As a worried parent, especially after recent incidents I do want my child to be watched. Even when we appoint a body guard for a child, we see to it that the person is conducive to a child's mood and behaviour But a bodyguard wouldn't be my idea as it is difficult to explain to the child why a particular person is with them all the time. "
"A child needs to learn to trip and fall and get up all on his or her own. However, I would see to it that there are professionals like nannies who are looking after your child," he says.
However Diwan Rahul Nanda of topsgroup security agency, believes that a body guard for a child is the need of the time.
He says, "We live in such dangerous times that it seems like the need right now.
However, we make sure that the children don't feel out of place with a body guard around them. We see to it that either a lady or someone with the kind of nature to get along with a kid, preferably someone from armed or para-military forces."
TV anchor Pooja Bedi believes children need strict supervision.
"I have a nanny who is with my kids 24/7. Even if the driver is taking them to school or when they are playing, they are never unmonitored. Also there is enough staff at home to make sure they are not in any kind of trouble. My kids are 6 and 9 years old and as long as they grow big enough to take responsibility, I really think they should be under tight guards."
But actor Archana Puran Singh thinks it's not a great idea.
She says, "I have never really thought of having a security guard for my kids. What I can derive out of all the recent kidnappings and murders is that it could happen to anyone. As a society we need to get more vigilant and take a stand over these issues. The culprits need to be made realise that this cannot continue and only we as average citizens can do that. This collective effort would be the greatest security I consider for my kids."
Play it safe
Ensure your kids know their full name and address.
Tell them to be wary of strangers asking for directions
If possible, always have your children travel in groups
If your children are at home alone, teach them never to reveal that fact to a caller.
Prepare an excuse, such as, "My mom is in the shower now. She can't come to the phone."
Never put your child's name on the outside of their clothing. One of the ploys used by kidnappers is to gain your child's confidence by addressing them by the name.
Courtesy: Topsgroup security agency
(With inputs from Divya Unny)