Surajit Khanna

According to the Child Advocate – Surajit Khanna, the racial injustice and distress we are facing in this current time around the world have put many parents on the hedge on how to discuss protests and racism with their kids. With the increase in, civil disobedience, and police brutality many parents are worried about the safety of their kids and how to protect them. For many kids, the current situation might be difficult to understand. However, positive discussion about the protests and racism are important at this particular time.

“With the ongoing news, the importance of discussing this topic with kids cannot be overemphasized, “says Dr. Surajit Khanna, an advocate for children’s safety issues. Although, many adults feel uncomfortable discussing it with their children and assume they do not about it. However, many children get information weather from conversations with nannies, friends, or social media. The fear and anxiety of people surrounding them also speak volumes to them. Therefore, not discussing it threatens the safety and mental health of the children. Without proper understanding and guidance from parents, children might not be able to navigate their feelings in the right direction.

Here, Dr. Surajit Khanna, takes us through ways on how to discuss protests and racism with our kids by their age group. Read on.

Be in the Right Frame of Mind

How can you help your child navigate protests and racism? As discussing protests and racism is important, so is your mental and emotional health as a parent says Surajit Khanna. The first step is to take care of yourself and once you feel confident enough, you can now decide on how to have a conversation about the current uproar with your children. You need to be very careful and pay more attention to their emotion as you don’t want to share information that will make them feel unsafe or more traumatized. Be open with them, listen to their thought, and answer all their question. Assure them of their safety and their importance to their community.

Infant and Toddlers

Children of this age might not be able to understand what is happening on television and around, however, they can pick up anxiety and fear in people’s voices. To avoid this, parents should talk about the incident and watch the news when the baby is not physically there. “Always control your thought and feelings around them says”. Dr. Surajit Khanna. Infant and toddlers can learn about protests and racism from the racial stereotype in society without the input of their parents. Therefore, it is important to start reading books that show multi-racial characters to them. This will help them as they grow older.

According to Surajit Khanna, the African American community has faced a lot of pain and setback due to racism. A lot of theories and constitutional laws have proven how deep racist character is rooted in the lives of many. Black adults still believe the country still has a great deal of work to do give black equal rights with the whites. Starting from a very young age, black students experience racism and discrimination everywhere they go even in schools and colleges. Sadly, this has been their painful reality for many years. Research as shown that, many black American college students struggle with depression and anxiety due to racial discrimination than other ethnic groups or races. The point is black students are exposed to this unhealthy lifestyle from their preschool to college.

Do you ever wonder why many Black Americans did not attend college or there has a high case of dropouts? “Racial discrimination, injustice, fear of uncertainties, and acceptance have always been the struggle. Ultimately, this has hindered the progress of millions of people around the world.” Dr. Surajit Khanna, an advocate for children’s safety and a champion for the voice of the kids. Black Americans with a college degree experienced more racial discrimination compared with the ones with no college degree.

Additionally, research showed that there is a huge difference between blacks in colleges and those that are not in college. For example, every year, 60% of black American college students report cases of people suspicious of them without any genuine reason. While 32% of those that are not in college do not experience the same. Also, 50% of African Americans with college experience, says many individuals as treated them as if they are not smart, compared to 30% that has no college experience.

Here, Dr. Surajit Khanna takes us through the experience of black students in their educational system. Read on.

Early School Life of Black Students

Most black students are very intellectually curious, smart, and love sport at a very young age. However, when they start experiencing discrimination in school, it makes them feel disconnected and lower their self-esteem says Surajit Khanna. Surveys indicate that, while back students receive severe punishments and sometimes suspension for their misbehavior. A white student that commits the same offense receives a different punishment. Here is a situation where black student misbehavior is stigmatized as a criminal offense. Black boys get suspended almost four times than the white boys and the girls three times than the white girls. This shows the racialized reality of the black community at a tender age.

School Experience

Data shows 20% of African American kids make up preschool enrolment. They account for 50% of student that receives a suspension, 30% of them are arrested and 25% of them are sent to law enforcement. Where only 20% of the black students enrolled, isn’t this a food for thought right? This bias, harsh discipline and lowered teacher expectations diminished the motivation and enthusiasm of a black students for school.

They already feel unwanted and unaccepted when they get to high school. They focus more on popularity and other abilities rather than their intelligence. “An incident referred to as academic disqualificationand this is not evident in white students.” Dr. Surajit Khanna says.

Cybersecurity has always been a challenge over the years says Surajit Khanna. Studies have shown that kids are now spending an average of 2 hours daily on the internet. From watching movies to streaming their favorite music, to pass time on social media, there is no limit to how one can be connected to the internet. The coronavirus pandemic has also contributed to the number of times spend online. Many are stuck at home and the children are left with no choice but to learn and communicate with loved ones online. However, let’s not forget kids can be targets of cybercriminals and might not fall victim to security issues. Therefore cybersecurity is important to protect our kids.

Surajit Khanna says “when children are left unsupervised or unprotected while assessing the internet, there are a lot of things that can go wrong. One is they can be exposed to content that is only meant for adults. The internet is also full of criminals who can send malicious links, viruses, and many more and take advantage of young children by stealing their money or important information. Sometimes, abusers can play on their innocence for sexual grooming. How can kids and teens be protected?

This cybersecurity guide provided by Surajit Khanna will help parents and caregivers understand how to protect their children and avoid pitfalls of being connected.

Be honest while communicating about cybersecurity with kids

Cybersecurity is very important and having a conversation about it with your kids requires honesty Surajit Khanna says. Do not try to avoid any question because you don’t feel comfortable with it. Answer all their questions and tell them the good things about online activities and which one to avoid. Emphasize on cautiousness while enjoying the internet world.

Make security a topmost priority

Using security such as passwords or biometric recognition is one of the simplest ways you can ensure your child is assessing the internet with your supervision. Let them know they have to be careful of the websites they visit or links they click on. Consider using network monitoring tools to detect and prevent visiting dangerous websites. Another way to ensure cybersecurity is to invest in software that can allow you to choose what kind of apps your child can use or downloads.

Monitor their activities on social media

Kids might want to be on social media to connect with friends and families, however, it can invite dangers if not used appropriately. Whether its Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, or youtube, it is better to have a first-hand experience of what is going on around there as parents. Talk to your kids about who they can befriend, communities that are safe to join, and who they can follow.

“We live in a world where online popularity is the new craze. Kids might have unrealistic expectations of how they should look considering the type of people they are following online and this might lead to low self-esteem. Besides, they can be more exposed to cyberbullying when they spend too much of their time on social media”. “It is safer to have access to your child’s account online in order to monitor their activities, contents they are posting and who they are chatting with. Let them the type of content they can share online and who can view their posts.”Surajit Khanna advises.

Dr. Surajit Khanna, an advocate for child safety and currently a champion of Voice of the Kids explores the best ways to stop child trafficking.

The United Nations International Labour Organization estimated 10 million adults and nearly 4 million children as victims of trafficking and it affects every country in the world. In 2018, More than half of the human trafficking cases in the US are forced sexual exploitation involving only children.

This means 1 out of 4 victims are children. It is probably happening in your city, in your neighborhood and even to someone close to you.

An illegal lucrative business generating billions of dollars at the expense of billions of people every year. Child pornography making a wave on the internet making it the fastest-growing criminal business in the world. The rise in the number of child sex trafficking with a high number of cases going undetected comes as no surprise.

Child trafficking is the form of forceful exploitation of children for the purpose of forced marriage, forced labor, prostitution, child begging, or organ removal. Many children are becoming victims due to ignorance and making a public awareness is the first step in combating this crime. Read on as Surajit Khanna dig deeper into how child sex trafficking can be stopped.

Promote the Spread of Education

Lack of education, poverty, and uninformed parents are some of the factors that increase the rate of this crime. Perpetrators often target children with little or no access to education promising them education and assuring the parent they will give them a better life says Surajit Khanna. Therefore, for such children, getting an education can help and nurture them in a safe school environment with access to resources that can promote healthy development. Moreover, as an individual, educate yourself about child trafficking. Get your hands on films, books, and all that can give you more insight into this heart-wrenching reality. Don’t die of ignorance.

Spread the Awareness

Raise awareness about child trafficking to people around you, your environment, localities, groups you belong to, and even schools close to you. For instance, host an awareness event to discuss child sex trafficking or make use of films, sports, educational resources, arts to educate your community about their rights, opportunities, and human trafficking. Surajit Khanna suggests making use of your social platforms to educate followers and friends and raise awareness.

Dr. Surajit Khanna explores how riots were sparked in the US due to the police brutality towards African Americans. George Floyd a black man was killed by police on May 25.

Streets and communities that have been deserted a few days ago due to coronavirus outbreak have been in an uproar, unrest, and riots in response to the death of African-American George Floyd. This no doubt is not a one-time thing, but a deep-rooted long-held anger African Americans have bottled up towards police brutality and fights for equality in America. This group is done with the struggle for racial justice and could no more stand police killings of black Americans and racism. The peaceful demonstrations coupled with violence riot all followed the death of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, and Ahmaud Arbery.

Who is George Floyd and how is he Killed?

Monday, May 25 was the day George Floyd was killed by police, Derek Chauvin who was said to be kneeling on his neck.  George Floyd had allegedly said to pay a counterfeit $20 note for cigarettes he bought in a grocery store in which police were alerted. Police claimed he was struggling and was handcuffed. However videos show Derek Chauvin, kneeling on his neck together with two other police officers kneeling on him. “Please, I can't breathe” “don’t kill me” were his groaning’s till he was motionless.  A preliminary autopsy shows the police officer, Derek Chauvin was on his neck for 8 minutes, 46 seconds.

Mr. Chauvin was fired together with other police officers after the incident of the video went viral. Derek Chauvin has been charged with murder says Surajit Khanna.

What are the Occurrences in the Riots?

Despite the lockdown imposed across the state, protesters have flooded the streets of more than 75 cities in the United States. The National Guard reported that 16,000 troops of its personnel are on duty to protect lives and property in 15 states including Washington DC. However, protests give birth to violence again as masses boiled with anger and frustration. Hundreds have been arrested during the riots as police and the people engage in clashes over the death of George Floyd.

Surajit Khanna says protests that started as peaceful as on Friday and Saturday landed into riots as the night fell. Police vehicles, buildings including historic building were set ablaze by rioters in several cities while police responded with tear gas.  Associated Press news agency reported that 4,400 people have been arrested for defying curfew, looting, and blocking motorways.

With all these, thousands of angry looters and protesters have risen up on Monday nights despite the arrest of some, and more curfew orders. Police have faced criticisms for going heavy-handed in response to the protest.

According to Surajit Khanna, the US is now the hotspot of coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic and the African Americans seem to be the hardest hit. The recent study carried out by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control (CDC) has shown huge disparities in the confirmed cases and deaths among African Americans. In Chicago, Black Americans make up only 30% of the state population, yet accounted for 52% of the confirmed cases and 72% percent death rate. In Michigan, African Americans make up 13% of the population and still recorded 33% of confirmed cases and 40% of death. For an illness that knows no race, class, societal status, or age, why are there so many disparities in the number of confirmed cases and deaths among African Americans?

Read on as Dr. Surajit Khanna, an advocate for child safety, and currently, a champion of Voice of the kids explores the likely reasons for this.

1. Living Conditions can be a Major Factor

Where one lives can have a huge impact on the health and life expectancy over time, not to talk of the time of crises such as coronavirus (COVID-19). The risk is no doubt is going to multiply says Surajit Khanna. Unsurprisingly, living conditions may be the number one reasons why the Black Americans seem to be affected the most. Many of them are live in densely populated areas with multi-dwelling building. Ways to preventing the spread of the illness might seem difficult to achieve in situation like this. Moreover, a vast majority of the minority group have the whole family living under one roof and practice a multigenerational life. Hence, isolating someone who is sick or protecting the oldies from the illness can be difficult especially if the space is limited.

High Rate of Predisposing Medical Conditions

Disparities in underlying health conditions with less health coverage is another factor that triggers the high rate of Coronavirus victims in Black Americans. As compared to the whites, the minority groups especially the African American have about two times rate of underlying medical issues. This include asthma, diabetics, obesity, and hypertension. Sadly these are predisposing medical conditions that mount extra pressures on patients with Coronavirus (COVID-19).

They are losing their Jobs so fast more than other Ethnics

Minority groups suffer the hardest blow economically during this pandemic as 44% of Black Americans say they or someone they know suffer wages lost. “This does not comes as surprise as many of them work in service industry jobs, jobs that cannot survive under work from home practice and jobs with no insurance coverage or paid sick leave,” says Surajit Khanna. This means there is less social distancing and less access to the good health system as there is no health insurance. Moreover, 80% of people summon for violation of social distancing are blacks and Hispanics. The need to work as bills keep piling up are putting them more at risk and promoting the spread of the disease.

Dr. Surajit Khanna, an advocate for child safety and currently the champion of Voice of the Kids walks you through the effective ways in which parents can deal with child bullying.

The fact is no parent ever wants to think of their dear child being bullied or even worse, being a bully. Sadly, around 90 percent of students: kids, teens have experienced bullying.

Whether the bully, the victim, or those who witness bully, bullying can have both short and long term consequences on everyone and it can be catastrophic. Hence, it’s a thing every parent needs to make as a priority.

Read on Surajit Khanna explains how to know if your child is a victim or perpetrators how to address it and how to protect your young ones from bullying act.

What is bullying?

Bullying is a habitual aggressive use of force, threats, or abuse to dominate or intimidate others. These aggressive behaviors can include name-calling, spreading rumors, teasing, tripping, hitting, kicking, tripping, choking, encouraging people to socially exclude someone, and many more. “Although commonly among school-aged children, bullying can also happen even among the youngest daycare children, at home, on a playground, and even over a computer or cell phone. Therefore, recognizing bully is the first step to stopping it,” says Surajit Khanna.

How do I know if my child is being bullied?

Here are likely signs are given by Surajit Khanna that show your child is a victim of bullies.

Kids come home with worn damaged clothes, injuries, missing books, clothing, and any other belongings.

Have few or no friends in school or at home and spending most time alone

Doesn’t like going to school or wanting to go home before time

Often pass unreasonable or wrong direction when going or coming from home

Begins to have a low grade in school

Always asking for money

Always unhappy and irrational when coming home from school

They complain regularly of pains in the body

Bullied kids can complain of a lack of sleep, headaches, and stomachaches

Display of personalities such as caution and shyness, introversion, low self-confidence, unhappiness, and anxiety

What can I do if my child is being bullied?

Listen carefully to your child about the whole situation and pay attention to all the details says Surajit Khanna. Kids often feel it’s their fault they are been bullied and they are not strong enough to stand for themself. Hence, this reduces their self-esteem and make them feel humiliated. Moreover, they might feel their parent will be disappointed and mad at them, hence, making them more secretive about it. Support and comfort them and let them know they are not alone.

Let them know you believe and trust them. Kids often fear it will increase if the bullies found out they are been reported. Encourage them to talk and let them know they can trust you to handle the situation.

Embrace your child and let them know you are here to help them walk through it. Let them know they have done nothing wrong and the bullies are the problem not them. Urge them to be strong and be confident

Report the situation to the school authority and ask for permission to speak to the parent of the bullies so as to find common ground in finding a lasting solution to the whole situation.