The Ministry of Internal Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan has issued a warning to parents about dangerous children's pranks that can end in tragedy, infohub.kz reports.
The ministry noted that sometimes only a few seconds separate an ordinary prank from serious trouble. Children's thoughts like "I can make it across," "I just wanted to scare them," or "I have to hit back" can lead to fatal consequences.
"But a car won't stop instantly, an argument can spiral out of control in a second, and an object that ends up in someone's hands 'just because' can turn an ordinary conflict into a tragedy. Afterward, it's impossible to get that second back and act differently," law enforcement officials said.
The ministry reminded parents and children that strength is not about taking risks, hitting back, or proving you're right. True strength is being able to stop, think through your actions, and not give in to provocation.
What parents should do: discuss such situations with their children more often; not only explain what not to do but also talk about possible consequences; teach children to make decisions before emotions take over; know their child's social circle; take an interest in their emotional state; and pay attention to what they carry with them.
"If a problem arises, it's important to seek help in a timely manner and not hide the situation," the Interior Ministry added.
The agency emphasized that sometimes a single right decision made in a few seconds can preserve a child's health, future, and life.
Recall that Astana residents have repeatedly been alarmed by schoolchildren's dangerous games on the capital's roads. Videos have regularly circulated on social media and in parent chats showing teenagers competing in an extreme challenge — dashing across busy streets right in front of the wheels of oncoming cars on a dare.
Earlier, Kursiv wrote that Prime Minister Olzhas Bektenov stated the need to toughen penalties for Kazakhstanis who jaywalk.