The right lock
I think one way of preventing such accidents from happening again is to make it mandatory for all doors and windows to have proper key locks, rather than the standard shift lock that all balcony doors and windows have ("High-rise deaths: Fixing liability still a challenge", Gulf News, December 7). We have been to many hardware stores but have never been able to find the proper lock. However, it is available because in our building the windows in the corridors have that lock. Above all, parents are responsible for the safety of their children. It is naive to think that "it will not happen to me or to my children". I wish that these deaths would at least lead to saving many other children. May their little souls rest in peace.
From Mr Anu Dubai
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Redesign
The current design of windows is dangerous. The authorities should modify the design of windows in all existing high-rise buildings at the cost of their respective building owners. Such incidents are not happening because of the parents' negligence. The existing unsafe design of windows is the primary cause of these tragedies.
From Mr Mohammad Shakeel Khan
Dubai
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It is not the parents' fault
It is impossible to monitor a child 24 hours a day, especially if there is no domestic help or relatives around. Parents should be vigilant, but one cannot blame the parents alone. They live in high-rise apartments that do not have safety rails for balconies and windows.

However, leaving a child alone in the flat while the parents are away is surely negligence by the parents and should be punishable. These deaths can be avoided if there is a compulsory rule to install safety rails or grilles for windows that are removable in case of a fire or other emergencies.
From Mr Sheen
Dubai
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‘It won't happen to me'
Parents should be careful and cautious and should be around when children are in the balcony. When not around, the balcony doors should be locked. Even after such incidents occurring parents do not really pay attention because somewhere they have a feeling that this won't happen to them.

Parents are totally to be blamed and they are the only people responsible for what is happening.
From Ms Aroosa Abdul Rasheed
Umm Al Quwain
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A few solutions

It is not important who is responsible for the accident after it happens. We should concentrate on how we can stop this from recurring. In my opinion we must improve the design of the window panes.

Window locks can easily be opened and a window can easily be pushed by a three-year-old child. If the window panes open upwards it will not be that easy for a child to hold it open and lean out.

Otherwise, install a grille inside in such a way it can be opened easily in emergencies.
From Ms Celine Chacko
Ras Al Khaimah
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Lessons to learn
This is not about who is responsible for the deaths and prosecuting them to make sure it never happens again. It is time to learn our lesson.

First, establish guidelines for the building owners to put removable rods on the windows, which would prevent children from falling out.

Second, educate parents about safety of children and how they can protect them not only from such minor mistakes but from a lot of mistakes that could threaten their lives. Such lessons could be made mandatory for parents of newborn babies.
From Mr Adnan Shabbir
Sharjah
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No excuse
The parents are to blame for such situations — it is not the government's responsibility. So, basically, if tomorrow a child accidentally cuts himself with a knife, would it be the government's responsibility to ban all knives in households? I cannot even imagine leaving my child at home alone. There is no excuse and parents need to be more vigilant.
From Mr M.B. Dubai
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Alarming issue
The UAE is no doubt a very safe, clean and beautiful city, but it is alarming to see the number of children falling to their death.

All windows must be fitted with iron grilles so that the children won't be able to fall at all. Besides the parents' negligence, I think this is happening because of the design of the windows.
From Mr Najmus Seher
UAE
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