Severe punishment
It is pity that we can’t eliminate such practices [of abuse] in our society (“Father, stepmother may face child abuse charges”, Gulf News, November 8). A tough punishment should be given to such guardians and schools should be advised to educate children about their rights and what they need to do if they become victims of such brutality.
From Mr Faisal
Dubai
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Discipline and abuse
I am a mother of four and it pains me to hear such unbelievable news. Some parents don’t draw the line between child discipline and abuse. Parents think they have the rights to do anything to their children. As in the case [reported in Gulf News], I think that signing an undertaking is not enough. The boy will continue to stay with his father and stepmother — who knows what will happen next? Do we need to take chances before a more serious step be taken against them? What if at least another beating results to disability or even death? Why can’t both parents be taken in custody to undergo psychological treatment and the boy be kept in safe custody?
From a reader
Sharjah
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Be prepared
The report on emergencies and children was nice and informative (“Children in emergencies”, Gulf News, November 5). I think such reports make you more aware and the children certainly do need training. I have a five-year-old child and will teach him such scenarios so that he is prepared of uncertain disasters. Even though I have never left him alone, as a precautionary measure he should know such cases as it takes only a few seconds for accidents to happen!
From Mr Sabeen Mansour
Dubai
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Discuss scenarios
I congratulate Gulf News for a wonderful report along with a video about children in emergencies. It is a great initiative for parents to educate their children on various emergency procedures from a young age. Education starts at home. It is essential that we learn how to handle emergencies. Anything can happen at any time. Everyone needs to know about calling 999 in an emergency. But, children also need to know the specifics about what an emergency is. Asking them questions like, “what would you do if there was a fire in the house?” or, “what would you do if you saw someone trying to break in?” gives you a chance to discuss what constitutes an emergency and what to do if one occurs. Role playing is an especially good way to address various emergency scenarios and give your children the confidence they need. For younger children, it might also help to talk about the emergency workers in our community like police officers, firefighters, paramedics, doctors, nurses and so on. Also tell them what they do to help people who are in trouble. This will clarify not only what types of emergencies can occur, but also who can help.
From Mr Mathew Litty
Dubai
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Cost of cremation
The report on the cost of dying is informative and quite apt for expatriates and their families living in the UAE (“The cost of dying: What to expect when it’s not expected”, Gulf News, November 6). It seems the cost of cremation is a deterrent to a peaceful death. Beside the expenses, the legal and statutory formalities seem too complicated and cumbersome that the remaining family members would not have any time to grieve over their loss. With so many deaths per year, it is critical that the authorities form a single set-up to undertake all such formalities and issue one clearance certificate for quicker release of the body and peace to both the dead person and their loved ones.
From Mr Sanjay Singh
Abu Dhabi
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Plan in advance
Personally, I have been with several friends in such a situation and know the enormous paper work, money and procedures involved here and in India to repatriate or cremate a deceased. I thank Gulf News for bringing up these points for the benefit of every reader or resident in the UAE. Death cannot be planned, but what the situation may be with regards to the close ones could be planned or detailed in advance with a bit of timely guidance and attention.
From Mr Ramesh Menon
Abu Dhabi
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Personal space
I agree that some people use their personal space to detach themselves from society, friends and family (“Focus: Invading personal space”, Gulf News, November 5). It is just that they don’t want to come out of their comfort zone and look at the world outside. They tend to enclose themselves in a bubble. But, this keeps them away from society and creates an invisible void. It’s necessary for people to come out of their space and explore the world.
From Ms Lekshmi Mini
Ras Al Khaimah