Adults urged by Riga police to assist troubled children

In a significant stride towards child protection, a new location tracking feature has been introduced that aims to ensure the safety of children, particularly those under the age of seven. This feature, which can be utilised in both urban and remote environments, does not require any additional installation or investment.

According to the Law on the Protection of Children's Rights, each individual is a subject of child rights protection. As such, adults are encouraged to take an active role in ensuring the safety of children. This includes approaching a child if they appear tired or insecure, offering help, or calling the child's parents if their number is known.

The feature works by using a small chip, which can be carried by the child daily and can be placed in a bag or made into a trinket. For children who don't have smartphones, this chip serves as an alternative means of tracking their location. Parents can use smartphone settings to track their children's location in real time, providing peace of mind and instant access to their child's whereabouts.

Armīns Palms, a cybersecurity expert from Cert.lv, explains that this functionality uses the phone's existing features. In urban environments, this chip's functionality can be used to track the child's location, making it easier to find a lost child.

In Latvia, approximately 200 children are brought to a safe environment each year by the Riga Municipal Police due to getting lost. However, with the implementation of this new feature, it is hoped that this number will decrease significantly.

It is important to note that adults who are under the influence of alcohol are prohibited from looking after a child, and liability is provided for this. If a child cannot be identified or the parents cannot be reached, the police should be called. The emergency number to call for help is 112.

In addition, adults are responsible for looking after their own child or a child entrusted to them up to the age of seven. If an adult approaches a child and finds them in distress, they can offer help or call the child's parents.

A child is defined as the least protected person who needs support. It is everyone's responsibility to ensure the safety and well-being of children. In the words of Artjoms Kalacs, a professional wrestler working in Latvia, "The safety of our children should always be our top priority."