From the Editors: Parents need to be more vigilant about children

NO ROOM FOR COMPLACENCY: With the winter break underway, authorities across the emirates are telling parents to be more vigilant about their children. A quick look at the lists of dos and don’ts may seem like they are routine, with even the COVID-19 safety add-ons now a part of the new normal. But to miss the point can prove disastrous. One small slip on the part of a negligent parent can result in grave consequences as news breaks on children drowning, falling from balconies or being run over grimly remind us. There can be no room for complacency when it comes to raising children. [COMMENT BY: Sharmila Dhal, UAE Editor]

WHO TO BEGIN PROBE INTO CORONAVIRUS ORIGIN: The World Health Organisation is expected to lead an international mission to China in January to probe the origins of the coronavirus. The investigation, more than a year after COVID-19 was first reported in Wuhan, is a welcome move for scientists to get a better understanding of the virus. Some countries have voiced concern at the delay in sending international experts, but a late start is better than no start at all. A thorough probe is important to put doubts at rest concerning the origins of the virus and how it crossed the species barrier. [COMMENT BY: Alex Abraham, Senior Associate Editor]

BILIC BITES THE BULLET AT WEST BROM: So the first manager of the Premier League season has fallen. It is slightly later than usual but, then, nothing has gone to plan in 2020. West Bromwich Albion parted ways with Slaven Bilic after giving the big guy less than six months in the Premier League. He guided them to automatic promotion from the Championship. and his sacking sounds harsh because it is harsh. The board gave him no money to spend in the transfer market and, inevitably, they struggled to compete. Now West Brom have turned to Mr Escape, Sam Allardyce. The shamed former England manager, who has not managed since leaving Everton in 2018, has been in charge of seven Premier League clubs and is yet to be relegated. Let’s see if he can make it eight. [COMMENT BY: Matthew Smith, Sports Editor]

Hana Kimura’s suicide this May was a wakeup call for people in Japan and the global audience of the Netflix show she was on, ‘Terrace House’. Police said today they have referred a man to prosecutors over online abuse he directed at the young wrestler. "The suspect... in May posted messages on a social media account of the victim, including 'You have such an awful personality. Is your life worth living?' a spokesman said. Online abuse can damage lives and in Kimura’s case, it pushed a sensitive and vulnerable person over the edge. We might not be able to stop every such death, but as a society we can punish those who cause harm to others. [COMMENT BY: Jennifer Barretto, Assistant Editor – Features]