Whether they are at school, or in a bus, or in a public place with their parents, children face risks.
“It is important for us to recognise the risks proactively and develop systems to address them,” said Komal Ganotra, director, Policy Advocacy and Research at Child Rights and You, during an online chat organised by The Hindu on the issue of safety of children in schools, on Saturday.
She was joined by Vasudev Sharma, executive director, Child Rights Trust.
Taking a range of questions on safety of children while commuting to school, child protection policies in schools, inactive PTAs and managements which were flouting rules, the panellists said that parents must first get sensitised about child rights.
Asking people to look beyond sexual abuse, Mr. Sharma said, “It is not always sexual abuse that one should be worried about. Bullying, corporal punishment, copying in examinations, discrimination between students and school building structural issues are also a concern.”
On the issue of many schools not following safety guidelines, Ms. Ganotra said, “The guidelines are also rudimentary and basic. They do not penetrate the system, and hence are not as effective.”
The panellists also spoke about PTAs being mandatory for every school. “As a parent, you have the right to ask for a PTA if it does not exist. Open communication between parent and the school is the need of the hour,” said Ms. Ganotra.
When a reader raised the issue of tobacco products being sold outside schools, Mr. Sharma asked him to take proactive action. “File a complaint with the police or call ChildLine 1098 and inform them of places where tobacco or drugs are sold to children,” he said.
The way forwardWhen our concerns translate into action, it is the beginning of change, said Ms. Ganotra. Asking parents to voice their concerns and also report issues, Mr. Sharma said, “Today, more harm is done to children because of non-reporting and omission on the parts of the duty bearers, including parents.” Complaints could be lodged with Child Welfare Committees and District Child Protection Units in every district. “Let us get to know basics of some laws to protect our children in schools and outside too,” Mr. Sharma added.
‘Safety is more than just physical safety, it covers even mental well-being of a child’
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