Dubai: “All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy” — as old as this saying is, it still rings true for children of this generation, too. Here in the UAE, play time is precious to children, as it is a much anticipated period of relief from academic pressures.
The Dubai Municipality has not spared any effort to provide the public with spacious parks. However, not all youngsters are fortunate to live near parks or have safe play areas in or near their residences. They just make do with any open space and convert it into their play zone, irrespective of the risk involved.
One such play zone is on the grassy area opposite Bahwan Tower, in Al Nahda area, Dubai. This is located on the side that faces the Sharjah bound traffic on Al Ittihad Road. Unfortunately, the sport being played there is football, which is one of high intensity!
With the homebound rush hour traffic and dimming daylight, there is no barricade to prevent the enthusiastic footballer from stopping himself running after the ball onto the road. Thankfully, no incidents compromising the children’s safety has occurred yet. However, with play going into late evenings, safety is compromised.
Could one hold a tired driver taking the curve accountable for any accident if a child happens to suddenly run onto the road? Go one step further and imagine a pile up of cars if one car suddenly stops or swerves to avoid hitting a child. It is not impossible for such scenarios to occur in a split second.
I would like to remind parents to be more responsible for their child’s safety by monitoring where their child chooses to play. It must be said that every parent is equally accountable for the safety of their child. And they are indirectly responsible for any eventuality caused due to their child’s choice of play area.
As a parent and an educator, I am aware of the beauty and potential that children possess. Loss or injury to even one such life, on the account of high risk play area choices is not acceptable.
With the increased focus today on the importance of physical activity for children, equal priority should be given for the provision of safe play zones near residential areas. I hope this report succeeds in drawing the attention of the authorities and they go ahead and work on creating more play areas. I have faith that the concerned authorities will share my outlook, as this is a country with a positive and quick response time to important issues. This has been seen in many instances.
— The reader is an educator based in Dubai.
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