Students should be vocal about their anxieties to ensure that the “atmosphere of fear” prevailing in schools is dealt with, said speakers at the district-level Child Safety Week that was inaugurated here on Tuesday.
School students were asked to keep an eye out for incidents of ragging, molestation and sexual assault – all of which should be reported immediately to the school authorities and also to the police.
“Children should first know their body well. This will help in distinguishing between what a good touch is and a bad touch. And if the child feels uncomfortable, the incident must be reported – either to parents, friends or teachers,” said Srilatha, a teacher, who counselled the children.
Furthermore, she told the children to keep an eye on strangers and to recognise when situations may go beyond their control.
Counsellor Hilda Rayappan urged the children not to get into “bad company” where peer pressure can lead to the child succumbing to the “desires” of drugs and violence.
