Police Warn Parents: We're Not the Boogeyman
The National Police warned parents against using officers as a disciplinary threat, urging them to teach children to view police as trusted helpers rather than a source of fear.
The National Police uses social media to keep people safe and informed. They don't just warn about scams; they also highlight everyday practices that can seriously affect how children grow up.
Recently, an officer shared a warning for parents about a very common habit in homes with children. On their official social media, the police told families: "Don't do this."
A video they posted showed a pretend phone call to a police station. A mother calls, asking for police to come because her two children are fighting. The officer pretends to send a patrol car. Once the children hear this threat, they stop fighting, and the officer ends the call.
The National Police stresses that they should never be seen as a threat. Instead, they want children to view them as people who help and protect. The aim is for young children to trust police officers, not to think of them as someone who gives punishments.
The officers' message is clear: "We are not the boogeyman."
They explain, "If you tell children the police will take them away for misbehaving, they will be afraid of us. Then, they won't come to us when they are truly in danger. Instead, help them trust us and teach them that we are here to help."
The National Police are there to help, not to scare. Children need to grow up knowing they can turn to the police whenever they need assistance.