Experts warn festive season puts children at greater risk despite '16 Days' focus

While the holidays are a time for family gatherings and celebration, they are also a period when incidents of abuse, neglect and unsafe online behaviour tend to rise.

With children out of their usual routines and spending more time at home or online, their vulnerability increases, says Refilwe Mokoena, child safety and protection manager at the Nelson Mandela Children’s Fund.

"I think it just increases their vulnerability, because there might not be as much supervision," she said.

Mokoena said that parents and caregivers making some basic changes can really reduce the risks.

"Showing interest in what they're up to, asking them what games, apps they're using."

Keeping the conversation going is really important, she added.

"Continuously letting them know that you are a safe space."

Plus, helping them identify when something feels "off" or unsafe... have an "open door policy" with your kids, suggests Mokoena.

"Sometimes the festive season can even be a good way of of reemphasising those messages," she said.

Parents should also make sure they're picking up potential red flags, such as children becoming withdrawn, mood changes, and spending excessive amounts of time on their phones.

It can be useful to enforce rules around screen time limits, suggests Mokoena.

"Saying no phones at meal times, no phones in the bedroom after certain hours."

To listen to Refilwe Mokoena in conversation with CapeTalk's Pippa Hudson, click the audio player below: