CPJSC: ‘Adult Behaviour Is Not Automatically Appropriate Around Children’

The Child Protection and Justice Steering Committee is calling for clearer boundaries between adults and children, age-appropriate participation, and greater protection of children’s dignity in public spaces. It comes nearly a month after Belize held its annual Carnival Road March in Belize City, Orange Walk, and other districts in the month of September. 

“Recent scenes involving children at this year’s carnival have highlighted the need for stronger child safeguarding measures, appropriate adult-child boundaries, and renewed public dialogue on protecting children in public spaces,’ the committee said in an October 1st statement. 

It is calling on event organisers, public officials, parents and caregivers to establish and enforce safeguards at all public events involving children. 

“Behaviour that may be acceptable between consenting adults is not automatically appropriate when a child is involved,” the committee said.

Among its recommendations is a clear code of conduct for adults interacting with minors, including a prohibition on sexually suggestive dancing between adults and children. 

The CPJSC is also calling for children’s costumes and choreography to be reviewed before events, with children restricted from performances involving adult themes.

The committee wants organisers to create designated family areas with age-appropriate entertainment and adequate supervision. It is also calling for trained child protection personnel, backed by police, to respond quickly to concerns. 

The committee also warned the public, the media and content creators against sharing images or videos that could identify children involved in such incidents.

“Reposting, commenting on, or further circulating such content can prolong the child’s exposure to unwanted attention,” it said. “Adults are responsible for maintaining the boundaries that protect the safety, dignity, and well-being of children.”