The District Child Protection Office has come up with a set of guidelines for game zones in malls to make them child friendly. The guidelines were issued in the wake of some complaints from parents over the safety of children.
A team led by Child Protection Officer Joseph Rebello observed that game zones and play areas at malls in the city were usually enclosed space where parents or caretakers had no access. There were no staff members to keep watch over children as well.
A fight between two children at a game zone had recently ended up in one getting injured. The team noted that many of the games promoted violence and obscene content which were not ideal for children.
The team had directed the mall, where the incident happened, to take corrective steps following which the mall management set up CCTV cameras in the game zone.
A major suggestion from the District Child Protection Office is to appoint staff in game zones. CCTV cameras should be set up in such a way that all areas of game zones are visible to the parents waiting outside. Facility for parents to stay with their children inside game zones was also recommended.
Managements have also been requested to remove games or plots that promoted violence. They have also been asked to remove obscene content in some of the games.
A suggestion has also been made to ensure special facilities for differently-abled children.
“It is not mandatory for malls to follow the guidelines. But if a problem arises because of the non-implementation of the guidelines, we have the right to book a case based on child protection laws,” Mr. Rebello added.
