In Reply to: Disagree posted by Mrs Ken on Friday, 20. April 2007 at 21:09 Bali Time:
All of what you said is very true.
The things I was worried about, and maybe I misunderstood, but what I assumed was being asked was the risks of molestation and the stories of 'pinching' children. There was recently a case here in WA where the children were tied up at bedtime, even with all those checks. Police checks etc only mean that they haven't yet been caught. People who harm children choose positions of employment that will put them in contact with children, this will happen no matter where you are in the world. As someone who works with children, the cases of child abuse in our wonderful country is much higher than we would like to admit, although statistically, if your child is going to be hurt it is by someon who is close to you rather than the stranger we are all afraid of.
In saying all of that, the first time we took the kids I felt exactly the same way as you and was very nervous until I met the staff at the hotel we stayed at. All we can do, whether here or when we are away, is do the research, talk to other parents, trust our instincts and act accordingly whatever that may be. What a wonderful forum for parents and travellers alike to put forward a concern and get many varied opinions like ours and be able to make as an informed choice as they can. When we went away with the kids for the first time, it was people such as yourself and others that helped us make our decision. Thanks