36 minute read
Should VACCINATIONS
Should vaccines be MANDATORY?
As vaccination rates against the coronavirus increase around the world, so do the discussions about whether governments and/or employers should make vaccination a requirement.
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Vaccination is a public health priority; one that has been carried out by governments around the world for decades. In 2020, the world desperately needed a new vaccine to fight the biggest health crisis we’ve ever experienced – and we made it happen. Investment and motivation came together in a global push, and the development, approval and deployment of safe, effective vaccines within a year is a feat of human perseverance, dedication and ingenuity like we’ve never seen before.
A number of countries have made it mandatory for people working with high-risk groups or large crowds to be vaccinated, and some are also introducing regulations to ensure crowds are all fully vaccinated before they can enter a venue. But what is the situation in South Africa? Dhevarsha Ramjettan, partner and employment law specialist at Webber Wentzel in Jo’burg, answers the questions everyone wants to know.
What does South African law currently say about employers mandating vaccines?
“In June 2021, the Minister of Employment and Labour issued a revised COVID-19 Direction on Health and Safety in the
Mandatory vs compulsory
Compulsory vaccination means not getting vaccinated is illegal. Mandatory vaccination means not being vaccinated precludes the unvaccinated person from certain services or goods, like travel or schooling. Mandatory vaccination is nothing new around the world; for instance, if you want to travel to some countries, especially in Africa, you need a yellow fever vaccination. Similarly, most countries require proof of vaccination – especially against tuberculosis, mumps, measles, rubella, hepatitis and polio – if you want to live there.
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Workplace. The Direction provides that employers must conduct a risk assessment to determine whether it is necessary to implement mandatory vaccination for employees. In the absence of such a risk assessment, employers are not permitted to make vaccination mandatory.”
If an employer makes the COVID-19 vaccination for those medically able to receive it a requirement for employment, what rights would those who don’t want to get vaccinated have?
“The employer will need to assess the nature of the ‘personal reasons’. If it can be linked to a constitutional ground (ie the employee relies on their right to bodily integrity or right to religion, belief and opinion), the employer is required to take reasonable measures to accommodate the employee in the workplace. This may involve certain modifications to the employee’s job. If the ‘personal reasons’ cannot be linked to a constitutional ground or where the refusal is determined to be based on unreasonable or spurious grounds, the employer may consider dismissal for operational requirements. This would particularly be the case when it can be shown that vaccination is an inherent requirement for the job, ie to make it safe for that employee and other employees, and that, without vaccination, the employee cannot render services safely.”
What are the legal benefits and risks linked to mandatory vaccination that need to be considered?
“Benefits for the employer may include ensuring the health and safety of employees, and reaching herd immunity in the workplace. The risks may include potential employee disharmony and litigation against the employer.”
Does individual liberty outweigh public health? When – and how far – can the government step in?
“Obliging employees to be vaccinated may limit certain fundamental rights in the Constitution, particularly freedom and security of the person, and freedom of religion, belief and opinion. Although it is possible for these rights to be limited, that limitation must be reasonable and justifiable. On the other side of the coin, it may be possible for the employer to argue that the rights of other employees can be used to support mandatory COVID-19 vaccination, for example, the right to life and the right to an environment that is not harmful to health or wellbeing. Due to the constitutional rights involved, the issue of mandatory vaccination for employees may need to be determined by the Constitutional Court.”
*The views experessed here are not necessarily those of Sanlam or Sanlam Reality.
6Vaccine myths busted
Social media is a hotbed of debates. Arm yourself with the facts from the medical experts at Sanlam.
MYTH: The vaccine was developed too quickly. We don’t even have a cancer or HIV vaccine yet. FACT: The coronavirus family has been studied for decades, with governments around the world investing money to push scientific research when the pandemic hit. Tens of thousands of people took part in vaccine trials around the world, and manufacturing took place at the same time as safety studies – meaning the vaccines were ready to go once they were approved.
MYTH: The vaccine will give you COVID-19.
FACT: The vaccines – including the ones administered in South Africa, produced by Pfizer and Johnson & Johnson – do not contain the live virus and cannot give you COVID-19.
MYTH: We don’t know the long-term effects of the vaccine. FACT: Vaccine side effects show up within weeks after administration, and since the vaccine is given in one or two shots, it’s very different to medicine taken daily, which can build up in the body. The mRNA vaccines, in particular, such as those by Pfizer and Moderna, are quickly degraded by the body.
MYTH: We don’t know what’s in the vaccines, and it could be dangerous.
FACT: Vaccine ingredients are listed online. If you have a history of severe allergic reactions, consult your doctor before getting vaccinated.
MYTH: The vaccine won’t protect me against the Delta variant. FACT: The vaccine has been tested and proven to be most effective in reducing the impact of infection and disease from the Delta variant – so, while you might get infected, you are unlikely to get as sick or die from it.
MYTH: You can still get COVID-19 even if you’re vaccinated.
FACT: The vaccine doesn’t prevent
COVID-19, but reduces the risk of severe illness, hospitalisation and death as a result of it.
Stay grounded!
A 2008 study exploring the health benefits of plants in hospital rooms revealed that patients recuperating from surgery who looked at greenery during their recovery period needed less pain medication than those who didn’t. Even just inhaling Mycobacterium vaccae, a bacterium that lives in soil, can increase levels of serotonin and reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression. The good news? All you need is a pot, potting soil, some air, water and light.
5Ways pot plants help prevent burnout
COMBAT STRESS AND ANXIETY
A 2015 study in the Journal of Physiological Anthropology found that interacting with indoor plants may reduce psychological and physiological stress.
ENCOURAGE BETTER SLEEP
Caring for your plants can reduce stress and anxiety, potentially enabling you to fall asleep more easily.
IMPROVE MOOD
Gardening provides a welcome break from our increasingly tech-dominated lives. The same 2015 study found there were significant differences in mood when comparing participants’ response to two tasks: working on a computer and transplanting.
ENABLE RELAXATION
Tending to plants is a way to practise mindfulness.
BOOST ENERGY
NASA found that indoor plants are effective at reducing harmful toxins – like those that can cause headaches, asthma, and possibly burnout – from the air in confined spaces.
Sources: Horticultural therapy in a psychiatric in-patient setting (2017); Interaction with indoor plants may reduce psychological and physiological stress by suppressing autonomic nervous system activity in young adults: a randomized crossover study (2015); NASA Clean Air Study (1993), Effects of Flowering and Foliage Plants in Hospital Rooms on Patients Recovering from Abdominal Surgery (2008)
Best pot plants for beginners
PEACE LILY (SPATHIPHYLLUM) Bright, indirect light from a nearby window. Keep the soil consistently moist but not soggy.
SNAKE PLANT (SANSEVIERIA)
Bright, indirect light; can even tolerate some direct sunlight. Water only when the compost has dried out.
DELICIOUS MONSTER (MONSTERA DELICIOSA)
Bright, indirect light, with no harsh sun. Water moderately and evenly, about once a week.
FIDDLE-LEAF FIG (FICUS LYRATA)
Consistent, bright, indirect light. Keep soil evenly moist and water once a week.
PARLOUR PALM (CHAMAEDOREA ELEGANS)
Bright, indirect light to low indirect light. Water once the soil is completely dry.
12
Are we fishing for trouble?
16
How to get marathonready
wellness
18
SA’s suicide problem
22
Is TikTok safe for your kids?
24
Long COVID: all you need to know
26
Help your kids connect better
28
Have you heard of a death doula?
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WHAT EVERY PARENT NEEDS TO KNOW ABOUT SENSORY LEARNING
WHAT IS IT?
Sensory learning aims to stimulate children’s senses in multiple ways, and encourages them to use their senses to learn new things. The senses usually employed in multisensory learning are visual, auditory, kinaesthetic and tactile (ie seeing, hearing, doing and touching). Other senses may include smell, taste and balance (eg making a soup or riding a bike).
WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS?
According to the ‘UK Independent review of the teaching of early reading’ report published in 2006, multisensory learning is effective because it keeps kids more engaged in their learning. Sensory learning/play also helps to build nerve connections in the brain, encourages the development of motor skills, and supports language development. It also fosters ‘scientific thinking’ and problem-solving. And it can involve mindful activities, which are beneficial for all children. It can also be used to help support children with special educational needs and disabilities.
HOW DOES IT HELP SAVE MONEY?
Less is more, so your playroom doesn’t need to look like a toy shop exploded in it. Some days it may be difficult to monitor exactly what your little one is getting up to and into, so you may consider swapping out toys rather than giving them too many new ones at once. This will enable them to really see, smell, touch and explore each item/toy carefully.
How to include it in your day-to-day parenting
A child’s taste buds change every two weeks, so pop something new into your trolley regularly.
Sensory play that focuses on hearing can include playing and listening to music, guessing sounds (think rain, trains, birds), or even just experimenting with volume while you’re driving in the car.
To stimulate your child’s sense of smell, try to get outside for a quick walk in the park to “smell the roses” (the autumn leaves, sticks and pine cones you pick up along the way are also great for tactile learning).
For kinaesthetic stimulation, get creative and map out an obstacle course for your child to explore. Hopscotch, red rover and Twister are other classic games you can play together, too.
WHY YOU DON’T NEED EXPENSIVE TOYS
Who hasn’t seen the child at their first birthday party, more interested in the gift wrap than the actual gift itself? Indeed – a dog’s bowl lying in the garden can create hours of entertainment for a toddler, as can basic water and sand, and you really don’t need to spend thousands of rands on toys for your child. If you look around your house, you will find them all there. How about opening the Tupperware cupboard and allowing your child to explore it extensively? Or get those pots and pans out and make a bit of ‘music’.
NEED SCHOOLING SUPPORT?
As a Sanlam Reality member, you have access to Ivy Online, an online supplementary education platform based on the CAPS curriculum for Grades 8-12. Visit sanlamreality. co.za/benefit/ivyonline to find out more and register your kids today.
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fishing Are we for trouble?
The ocean is our planet’s blue lung. So why is it often the last thing we talk about when it comes to protecting our environment? By IGA MOTYLSKA
71% of the earth’s
surface is made up of our ocean.
The ocean sequesters 10x
the carbon dioxide that terrestrial vegetation, soils and microbes do combined each year. The ocean is our world’s
largest
oxygen source.
79000-129000
tons of ocean plastic and ‘ghost gear’ (buoys, crates, fishing nets) are floating in the Great Pacific Garbage Patch.
6 out of 7
sea turtle species are endangered or threatened.
90% of coral reefs will be at risk
by 2050 as a result of ocean acidification from rising water temperatures.
Sources: Evidence that the Great Pacific Garbage Patch is rapidly accumulating plastic, 2018; Caribbean Conservation Corporation and Todd Steiner – Sea Turtle Restoration Project; Reefs at Risk Revisited, World Resources Institute 2011; Trade and Fisheries: Key Issues for the World Trade Organization, World Trade Organization 2009; Oceans facts and futures: Valuing South Africa’s ocean economy, WWF 2016
Research: Dominique Bowen; Photography: Shutterstock, supplied
Over
820 million
people worldwide derive a living from the fish and seafood trade.
35% of SA’s annual GDP comes
from the combined economic benefit derived from our coastal resources.
From phytoplankton to whales, our oceans face a multitude of threats resulting from the continuous overexploitation of natural stocks through commercial, illegal and unregulated fishing, poaching and bycatch; unenforced laws and poorly regulated fisheries; deep-sea oil drilling and mining; coastal developments, and pollution.
A multi-pronged, solutions-based approached is needed, while being cognisant that there is no one-size-fitsall solution, as suggested by the Netflix documentary Seaspiracy. Giving up seafood entirely may not, as it may seem on the surface of the water, be the best way to save the oceans.
This cancel-culture approach overlooks the fact that fish and seafood are two of the most traded commodities globally, with 820 million people deriving a livelihood from these industries, and some three billion people relying on it as a primary source of protein. In Africa, marine and inland fisheries contribute to the food security of an estimated 200 million people, while employing a further 10 million. To add, the combined economic benefit derived from South Africa’s coastal resources amounts to 35% of annual GDP.
Instead, we need to interact with and manage the ocean ecosystem in a more environmentally responsible way that helps to alleviate pressures on natural fish stocks, while underwriting the sustainable development of our future global economy.
WHAT CAN WE DO?
Greenpeace found that we need to protect at least 30% of our ocean by 2030 to safeguard its vast bounty of resources, by establishing a network of Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) and prioritising government policies. In 2018, South Africa announced 20 new and expanded MPAs, which increased the protection of our waters from 0.4% to 5%.
“These MPAs are a critical tool in the ocean protection toolbox. They play a vital role in ensuring the survival of all ocean space by limiting or controlling human activities in sensitive habitats, and
WHAT’S ON THE LABEL?
SASSI (Southern African Sustainable Seafood Initiative) has compiled a ‘traffic light’ SASSI list (wwfsassi.co.za/sassi-list), pocket guide and mobile app (wwfsassi.co.za/sassi-app) in partnership with WWF to help consumers make educated and sustainable seafood choices.
The FishMS service (079 499 8795) allows consumers to send an SMS with the name of a fish or seafood to receive an instant message about the status of the species.
Non-profit Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) certifies more than 18 000 sustainable fish and seafood products globally that can be traced back through the supply chain.
The Aquaculture Stewardship Council (ACS) ecolabel – found on product packaging, restaurant menus and fish counters – indicates responsibly farmed seafood and sustainable aquaculture.
preserving them from future development to help heavily harvested fish species breed and recover. Increased ocean protection creates insurmountable socio-economic, ecological and cultural benefits, not only for us, but for generations to come,” says Lauren van Nijkerk, communications and campaign director at WILDOCEANS, a programme of the WILDTRUST.
“Limiting or prohibiting extractive activities and removing human pressures in MPAs can help species recover and thrive. Research has proven that fish found in MPAs are more diverse and have a larger biomass (bigger and more fish) – with biomass being 670% greater within fully protected areas compared to unprotected areas,” continues van Nijkerk.
What is hopeful is that since the 2006 study that claimed our oceans will empty by 2048, “we have seen increasing efforts
in many regions to rebuild depleted fish populations,” the co-author of the study, Prof Boris Worm of Dalhousie University, has been quoted as saying.
THERE IS HOPE
An effectively managed and highly protected MPA can help some threatened species recover in just five to 10 years. Along South Africa’s coast, the seventy-four seabream (Polysteganus undulosus) has experienced a comeback after near collapse. The Aliwal seasonal expansion also protects historic spawning grounds, including commercially targeted species such as geelbek (Atractoscion aequidens) and dusky kob (Argyrosomus japonicas), protecting these species for future generations.
SHOULD I BE EATING FISH AND SEAFOOD?
It is also important to buy and eat fish and seafood with sustainability in mind – whether it is wild caught or farmed through aquaculture.
“We need to rethink the way we catch, sell, buy and eat fish to promote catch diversity and low-impact fishing methods for sustainable fisheries management that support local job creation and keep value
in local small-scale fishing communities,” says fisheries researcher and co-founder of non-profit ABALOBI, Dr Serge Raemaekers.
ABALOBI connects CommunitySupported Fisheries (CSF) directly with consumers, chefs and restaurants through a digital marketplace (Fish With A Story) to create an equitable value chain, while fostering seafood provenance and accountability. Since 2018, the initiative has overseen the sale of over 150 tons of 58 species to around 3 000 buyers, which has resulted in the direct flow of over R10 million to 2 000 beneficiaries across six South African fishing communities.
Support MPAs
South Africa needs to expand its 5.4% MPA footprint to 10% and beyond. You can sign your support at: oceanimpact.co.za.
Did you know?
Contact the Environmental Crimes and Incidents 24-hour Hotline on 0800 205 005 to report illegal fishing, poaching and suspicious activities along the coastline.
“Popular species are overfished due to market demands; however, about 80% of the catch on our digital marketplace comes from healthy fish stocks, as we promote access to real catch of the day. This is one way that we get chefs excited about celebrating our rich seafood culture and the diversity of undervalued species,” he continues.
The State of World Fisheries and Aquaculture (SOFIA) 2020 report found that the percentage of fish stocks that are within biologically sustainable levels decreased from 90% in 1974 to 65.8% in 2017. This makes aquaculture – if done
Sanlam has partnered with WWF for many years, donating over R50 million
since 2007.
responsibly and managed properly – another possible solution. Aquaculture has been the main source of fish for human consumption since 2016, with its share increasing to 52% in 2018. Locally, aquaculture has allowed SASSI green-listed abalone fishing along the south coast, and SASSI green-listed mussel and oyster farms in Saldanha Bay to export globally.
If we are to ‘conserve and sustainably use the oceans, seas and marine resources for sustainable development’, as per Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 14, we need to start with protecting life below (and above) water. The list of ways in which we can do this is as long as the Mariana Trench is deep. We need to dive in head first, before we can swim, by supporting sustainable suppliers, lobbying governments and organisations to adequately monitor and enforce fisheries policies, and championing conservation efforts.
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How to train for a marathon,
even if you’ve never run a day in your life
Whether you’re a regular runner or a total beginner, completing a marathon is a life goal for many. We talked to experts to understand how to get started, safely. By AMY HOPKINS
How to start
Every marathon runner started somewhere: right at the beginning. “The age-old phrase ‘slow and steady’ is definitely the correct approach for an absolute beginner,” says Cape Town coach Steve Attwell, owner and founder of Embark – a group-training platform that transforms everyday people into athletes. “Too often we see athletes doing too much too soon; if your body isn’t ready for the progression, you’ll get injured.”
Physiotherapist Genine Manchip agrees: “The most common running injuries are those caused by overuse. These generally occur because the runner has increased their training load too quickly, they wear incorrect shoes or they have a poor running technique.”
“A slow build-up over time is a great way for the body to adapt to the pressure that running applies to joints, bones and ligaments. This cements a foundation for more miles – and more smiles,” says Attwell. For new runners, he suggests that instead of focusing on a marathon distance from the get-go, set short-term goals in the build-up to a marathon, which he does through the following programme.
When training gets tough
Tips to cope, from coach Steve Attwell.
1“Run with someone of the same ability. When someone else is also ‘suffering’ you seem to feel less sorry for yourself and push through.”
2“Know that without ‘this longer run’, or without ‘this harder session’, you won’t be able to keep on track to reach your end goal.” 3 “Compare your first run to your most recent run.” Note the progress.
4“Take a selfie when you’ve finished.” Record the moment and acknowledge what you’ve achieved. “Post it on social media to share your evolution into a healthy lifestyle with your followers, so they can celebrate with you.”
Fun fact!
The concept of a marathon as we know it today was inspired by the legend of an ancient Greek messenger who raced about 40km from the site of Marathon to Athens, with the news of an important Greek victory over an invading army.
Your programme, whatever your level
PHASE 1
“We begin with a six-week, 5km beginner’s programme. This starts with 30-minute sessions three times a week, with a mix of walking and running on flat roads,” says Attwell. “As the weeks go by, we aim to run more than we walk, until eventually by the end of the six weeks, you are running for a full 30 minutes.”
PHASE 2
“Runners progress to the six-week, 10km programme. Sessions grow closer to 45 minutes, with more weekly kilometres, but still at an achievable, safe pace. We also introduce some speed work and hills for strength training.”
PHASE 3
“We move on to the six-week 15km programme with four sessions a week, with one-hour sessions, and a longer weekend run.”
PHASE 4
“The next six weeks focus on a build-up to a half-marathon.”
PHASE 5
“Once you have the base of a half-marathon, you can consider aiming for the pinnacle (a marathon). Just remember to keep the progression slow and steady,” says Attwell. He currently offers a 12-week training programme to help runners progress to the marathon level.
What physios want you to know
GET PROPER RUNNING SHOES
“This may sound obvious, but you’ll be surprised at how many beginners run in sneakers. This can lead to injuries because of the lack of support they offer,” says Manchip.
BE CONSERVATIVE
“Start with a run/walk routine of 20-30 minutes, and gradually increase the amount of running you do over time.”
PROGRESSIVELY INCREASE YOUR MILEAGE
“Aim for no more than a 10% increase in kilometres. Begin with two to three days a week, with a day in between to recover.”
INCLUDE STRENGTH TRAINING
“Spend one to two days a week focusing on simple strength exercises to strengthen your hips, gluteal muscles and calf muscles.”
STRETCH
“After a run, especially your glutes and thighs.” GET UP TO 80% OFF GYM FEES
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WE NEED TO TALK ABOUT suicide
It’s a scourge that has been amplified by lockdown-induced self-isolation. Here’s how to spot the signs of depression and do your part in suicide prevention. By SANELISIWE MALIZA
23
A DAY.
That’s how many suicides happen in South Africa, according to the South African Depression and Anxiety Group (SADAG, 2020).
Men in South Africa are 5x
MORE LIKELY
to commit suicide than women (SADAG, 2020).
What causes suicide?
Depression is a quiet disease. It’s not like a protruding broken bone or a fever. It hides in plain sight. If not managed, it can lead to suicide. If you look hard enough, you may see the signs in yourself, a friend or a family member. Perhaps it’s recurring thoughts of death, or extreme exhaustion. The thing is, it looks different for different people, and can show itself in inconspicuous ways.
“Mental health difficulties can have a wide range of causes. For some, factors could result from childhood abuse or trauma,” explains counselling psychologist Candice Britz. “Other contributing factors can include social isolation – not helped by the pandemic and lockdown. In South Africa, where so many live below the poverty line, and unemployment is high, socio-economic factors can contribute, as can bereavement, extreme stress, bullying and exposure to trauma like domestic violence.”
Depression can also be chemical: some of us are more predisposed to depression, whereby a chemical imbalance can lead to depression even if everything else about someone’s situation seems ‘fine’ or ‘normal’.
Mental pain is less dramatic than physical pain, but it is more common and also more hard to bear. The frequent attempt to conceal mental pain increases the burden.
– CS Lewis
What are the symptoms?
“Most people who are depressed have a combination of symptoms; this could include a depressed mood for most of the day nearly every day, diminished interest or pleasure in almost all activities, recurring thoughts of death, a decrease or increase in appetite, slowing down of thoughts or reduction of physical movement, fatigue or feelings of worthlessness,” says Britz.
Why are suicide rates so high in SA?
For many, depression remains unmanaged. Britz explains: “We know that psychology,
What’s the difference between depression and ‘the blues’?
According to WebMD, while most people get the blues (sadness, grief, loneliness), they can bounce back from this. It’s when you don’t bounce back, “your feelings of sadness linger, are excessive or interfere with your work, sleep or recreation”, impacting your sense of self-worth, that you may be suffering from depression.
YOU HAVE FREE HELP
Sanlam Reality members have access to qualified trauma counsellors and specialists 24/7, telephonically, through the Trauma, Assault & HIV Assist benefit. Call 0860 732 548/9 or visit sanlamreality.
co.za/benefit/ trauma-assault-hiv-
assist for more. in general, is more normalised among white South Africans specifically. In Zulu or Sotho, for example, we don’t have words for depression. So how do you then seek help for something you don’t even have a word to describe in your language?”
Historically, psychology has also left behind and ignored a large portion of the population. Access to help remains a challenge. Psychologist appointments can be costly and tricky to access. “There is also stigma attached to mental health and seeking professional help,” adds Britz.
What can we do?
1IDENTIFY BEHAVIOURAL CHANGES Community can play an important part in supporting someone who is depressed or suicidal. “What we always look for is a change in someone’s behaviour," explains Britz. You want to think about what contextually has been going on for that person. Has there been something in their environment that may have triggered this behaviour?” 2SPEAK UP Speaking to and supporting someone who has depression can be a life-saving act. There is a strong link between unmanaged depression and suicide. “One would assume that the longer or more depressed the person is, the more recurrent thoughts of death they have, which are further perpetuated if the depression is untreated. So, there is a worry that if depression is left untreated, the suicidality may then increase,” concludes Britz.
3CONNECT TO PRO HELP There is a range of affordable support options for those who struggle with their mental health For help, you can call SADAG on 0800 567 567 and speak to a trained counsellor.
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TikTok ’round the clock TikTok ’round the clock TikTok ’round the clock TikTok is the latest social media craze, leaving your children entranced. But what exactly are they watching on the app – and is it safe? By DOMINIQUE BOWEN
f there are any teens living under your roof, they’re probably caught up in the content-sharing craze TikTok has given rise to. As with other platforms before it, its novelty can make it feel like a stranger babysitting your kids. It’s natural to be concerned about who and what your child is exposed to, not to mention questionable content you may have heard about. To keep you one step ahead, here’s the lowdown on the world of TikTok.
What’s the appeal of TikTok?
TikTok offers the content equivalent of opening the fridge and seeing it stocked top to bottom with your favourite foods.
Unlike other social platforms, users don’t necessarily need to follow an account to see the content it posts.
Add to this its unpredictable nature (you don’t know what content you’ll see, so it’s fun to explore and check in frequently), and it’s easy to see why users can fall down a TikTok rabbit hole. “This element of surprise and unpredictable variable reward are a huge part of TikTok’s appeal, particularly to a developing teen brain, physiologically and psychologically wired to seek out reward,” says Sarah Hoffman, a lawyer and co-founder of Klikd, which provides solutions for parents and teens to use social media safely and responsibly.
When my kid says they want to become ‘TikTok famous’, what do they mean?
To become ‘TikTok famous’ is all about
Your child and the law
Under the Cybercrimes Act, a child as young as 12 can be arrested and charged with a criminal offence for sharing pictures of someone without their consent.
Is it okay to check their chats?
At Klikd, the answer is a resounding ‘yes!’, says Hoffman. “Parents want to trust their child, without checking their devices, but this trust has to be earned,” she continues. Set expectations by being clear that you aren’t checking out of a lack of trust in your child, but rather to guide them in a sometimes-dangerous online world. Her advice? “When you do check their device, acknowledge the good first. For example: ‘I love how you showed up here for your friend’ or ‘Well done for blocking this person’ or ‘I’m so proud that you didn’t accept this friend request from a stranger’.”
creating highly relatable and shareable content.
“Some of the most famous users have followers in the millions. These aren’t celebrities, but normal teens who have managed to turn their videos into viral phenomena,” says Hoffman.
This relatability is what sets the app apart. “The diversity of experiences, communities and content builds connection and understanding through the shared language of video,” says Fortune MgwiliSibanda, TikTok’s Head of Public Policy in Africa.
What can go wrong?
For all the creative expression TikTok allows, a select few use it to post questionable and often dangerous content. This can go viral, drawing other users to mimic what they’ve seen. Most of these ‘TikTok challenges’ are harmless, but some have been flagged for concern by health experts. Take the face wax challenge: a Dutch barber went viral when he posted videos of customers’ faces covered in hot wax. Or the infamous Blackout Challenge, where users choke themselves until they pass out and wake up moments later.
Keep your child safe on TikTok
Because the content your child posts can land on anyone’s feed, and vice versa, consider taking these steps to ensure their safety.
RELATIONSHIP FIRST “Relationships are the great offset to [the constantly evolving social media landscape], and the greatest parental control is connected, engaged and informed parents,” says Hoffman. The Klikd app gives parents updates on the latest and most important social media issues to keep you in the loop and prepare for what can often be difficult conversations with your teen.
AGE LIMIT “A measure is available at the sign-up stage to ensure only users aged 13 and older can access the platform,” says Mgwili-Sibanda. According to Klikd’s TikTok Guide For Parents, inputting the correct date of birth here is probably the most important information to populate because TikTok attaches this date to other parental controls.
STAY CLOSE The Family Pairing option lets you link your TikTok account to your teen’s one to enable content and privacy settings. “This will only work on accounts that you know about,” notes the TikTok Guide. Mgwili-Sibanda suggests setting this up together to guide your teen’s online experience while educating them about online safety and digital citizenship.
TURN THESE OFF Suggest your account to others Allow your videos to be downloaded Public (This is the default setting, so anyone can view or comment on a user’s videos. “You can also block a user so they won’t be able to interact with you at all,” says Mgwili-Sibanda.)
SET TO ‘FRIENDS’ ONLY Who can comment on your videos Who can react to your videos Who can Duet with your videos Who can send you direct messages
DUET: Friends or strangers can create duet videos with one another from remote locations.
KIDS USING UP YOUR DATA?
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What you need to know about LONG COVID
The coronavirus can leave a lasting impact way after an initial quarantine period. Read on to find out more about what doctors have dubbed ‘Long COVID’. By ANGELIQUE RUZICKA
Lingering after-effects of COVID-19 – referred to as ‘Long COVID’ by the World Health Organisation (WHO) – are relatively common. In fact, according to the UK’s Office for National Statistics, one in five people who have had COVID-19 have persistent symptoms long after they’ve recovered from the illness.
WHAT IS LONG COVID?
You’ve got Long COVID if the signs and symptoms of COVID-19 continue for an extended period. While there is no international consensus on duration, most experts will view a period longer than 12 weeks as diagnostic of Long COVID. Symptoms include a feeling of unwellness, constant tiredness, non-specific muscle and joint pains, as well as brain fog.
Dr Marion Morkel, chief medical officer at Sanlam, explains: “[Brain fog] feels like what you’re struggling to create is not as fast in executive decision-making. It feels as if you’re just having a blank or struggling to talk, and you have a lack of energy. You have a general feeling of unwellness and sluggishness.”
HOW LONG DOES IT LAST?
This differs from
person to person. Dr Morkel says: “We know of people in the first wave who still have symptoms as we speak, which is now more than one year ago. Some people stop having symptoms three or four months later.”
WHO IS LIKELY TO SUFFER FROM LONG COVID?
Long COVID typically affects
those who suffered from severe
COVID or life-threatening COVID. “We see it more often in women than in men,” adds Dr Morkel. “We also see it more often in people who have an existing psychiatric burden or past history. We know this isn’t primarily a psychiatric burden, but this exacerbates the number and severity of symptoms, with a longer period needed for recovery.”
CAN YOU PREVENT LONG COVID?
Ultimately, preventing Long COVID may be possible through vaccination. “There’s lots of anecdotal evidence that many people who had some symptoms of Long COVID have had significant decreases in symptoms following vaccination. There are also deep learnings that come from the review of the treatment given for symptomatic cases in every wave, and which treatment modalites and/or combinations decreased the likelihood of Long COVID. You see this being actively implemented and refined with every subsequent wave,” says Dr Morkel.
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HOW CAN YOU TREAT LONG COVID?
+The good news is that it’s possible to treat Long COVID. It’s important to get a diagnosis as soon as possible though, so you can start a treatment plan and get the right support. + Dr Morkel says treatment for Long COVID is similar
to the treatment given to people who’ve had chronic myalgic
encephalomyelitis (CME). “CME needs combined rehabilitative services. You need physiotherapy, occupational therapy and psychotherapy. It is advantageous to have a GP that can help you in coordinating the entire treatment plan.” + Doing some of your own work during the rehab process is vital, too. “Try at least to get out and sit in the sun for 15 minutes, take a walk around your house, and when you slowly improve, increase the exercise regime.” + Vaccination is still possible even if you’re suffering from Long COVID – in fact, it’s recommended to reduce the chances of reinfection.
WHEN CANYOU RETURN TO WORK?
+If you feel well enough to return, you should get tested to make sure you’re not still infectious. + Dr Morkel adds that to get back to work,
you ideally need to get the green light from your doctor, physiotherapist
or occupational therapist: “Based on a person’s levels of exhaustion or stamina, they will usually negotiate with the employer. They can ask for those individuals who can start to return to work to be allowed a staggered approach for the next two weeks.” + Staggered starts could mean working for a few hours a day, and then increasing the number of hours. It could also mean ensuring that there are longer break sessions, particularly if the work you do is labourintensive or needs lots of concentration. “If you
overdo it, you can have
a complete relapse and then you have to start the programme again,” cautions Dr Morkel.
Are you insured for Long COVID?
The short answer is ‘yes’. Sanlam, for instance, has committed to deliver on its policy promises, and its life cover policies will still pay out regardless, even if the cause of death is due to a COVID-19 infection. When it comes to severe illness and disability policies, you’re also covered for any COVID-19-related illnesses or disabilities. “It doesn’t matter whether it is COVID-19 that caused that disease. We would cover you if you bought a product in which you can claim,” says Dr Morkel. However, if you’re unable to work because of lockdown or quarantine, the policy does not cover this. Claims can only be made on valid medical conditions. If you get reinfected with COVID-19, you are covered by your policies in the same way that you were during the first infection, according to the benefits you are covered for. No exclusions would apply; however, the same terms of those benefits would have to be followed. For example, if you have a waiting period before cover is activated then claims would only be valid after this period.
