A netizen was seen posting online about an encounter which he had with a little boy at an NTUC supermarket in the vicinity of his block.
According to the netizen, the young boy approached him to ask him for money.
Here is what the netizen said
“This just happened to me. Out for a late night walk. Got approached by a small boy – around 6 years old. No t-shirt, no shoes. He asked me for money. I said I would buy him anything he wanted from NTUC. But he wanted to buy a toy from the provision shop (yes, still open that late).
But I didn’t have any cash, only my phone, and the shop only takes cash. So I said I couldn’t help him. So he went off to ask someone else for money instead.
Not the first time I’ve been approached by a kid asking for money. The last time it happened, the kid walked away dejectedly when I said I would accompany him to a supermarket to buy him anything he wanted.
Has this sort of thing happened to any of you before? How did you handle it? I would’ve bought the kid a toy if I could, but I couldn’t. But does that encourage kids to approach random strangers to ask for things? Is this ok?
(I think the kids live in the rental blocks near my block)”
Replies and comments from netizens
- I’d be more concerned that a young kid is walking by himself late at night, especially in your case without t-shirt and shoes. He could be separated from his parents and is walking around aimlessly. I’d ask him some questions regarding who he knows and where he stays just to bring him back to someone who knows him, even better if there’s a police station nearby where I can bring him to so that I can leave him under the temporary care of someone (the police) who I can trust to take care of him.
- Sounds like a case of lack of parental supervision and potential neglect. I would probably buy the toy for him and talk to him about the dangers of going out alone. Will then get him shoes (if not too difficult) and send him back home. I’ll also talk to his parents. Lastly, I will contact the nearest Family Service Office (since I have the unit number) and the social service worker can go and speak to the parents.
- During this month, open camera n point to child, if have image then respond.
Image source: Google Maps