With the climax of Carnival 2025 fast approaching, recent advice by Collective Preventive Services (CPS) regarding the dangers of exposing children to loud music (see Friday/Saturday edition) should not be taken lightly. Parents and guardians should keep in mind that this can seriously damage their hearing and lead to a range of health issues including high levels of stress.
Earplugs are an option, but youngsters generally don’t do well with these over an extended period of time. Keeping them at a distance from the band trucks and huge speakers can make a big difference.
The latter may mean, for example, a family of spectators do not not get as close to the spectacle as perhaps they would like. However, that seems like a small price to pay for the well-being of one’s kids.
Also realise that Wednesday’s costumed parade will be a combined one featuring both youth and adult troupes. St. Maarten Carnival Development Foundation (SCDF) will no doubt keep the two categories well-separated, but the fact is that there will be children both participating and watching along the road. Like it or not, this implies an added responsibility for grown-up revellers and spectators to behave themselves and avoid vulgarity.
CPS also collaborated with Junior Chamber International (JCI) and the St. Maarten AIDS Foundation on increasing awareness about sexually transmitted infections (STIs). The campaign entails the distribution of information cards – STI educational materials – and condoms during Carnival activities.
It is largely up to parents when they discuss these matters with their offspring, but research shows children generally get sexually active at an ever-younger age. When they turn 16 it becomes legal to have relations with them even for older persons.
In addition to protection from potentially harmful diseases, the use of contraceptives prevents unwanted pregnancies. The latter can have a major impact on the life and future prospects of especially teens.
Better safe than sorry.
