Details of the Case

The victim, identified as Sasikala, who was married to Karthik, resided in Thalavaypalayam, near Uthukuli. The couple already had a four-year-old daughter and were expecting their second child. According to reports, Sasikala’s family opted for a home birth, believing it to be safer and more comfortable than a hospital environment.

On June 24, Sasikala successfully gave birth to a baby girl at their home. Following the delivery, however, she experienced severe postpartum bleeding that did not subside. The family initially attempted to manage the situation, but the complications necessitated immediate medical intervention.

She was transported to the Government Medical College Hospital in Perundurai for urgent care. Despite efforts to stabilise her condition, Sasikala was later transferred to a private hospital in Coimbatore for more advanced treatment options. Unfortunately, she succumbed to her complications shortly after the transfer.

Investigations Launched

In the wake of this incident, the District Health Department has initiated a thorough investigation to ascertain the facts and ensure accountability. Authorities are particularly focusing on the decision made by the family to pursue a home birth and the methods referenced online.

Simultaneously, the Uthukuli Police have started their own inquiry into the events leading up to Sasikala’s death. The authorities are looking into whether there were any breaches of medical safety or if any negligence contributed to this unfortunate outcome.

Community members and local health officials are alarmed by the event, urging public awareness regarding the risks associated with unassisted childbirth. They emphasise that while home births can be safe under certain conditions, it is critical to have trained medical personnel present to handle any potential complications.

Healthcare and Maternal Safety Concerns

This incident has raised important questions about maternal health and the necessity of skilled medical care during childbirth. Health experts highlight that adequate prenatal care and access to medical facilities are vital for ensuring the safety of both mothers and newborns.

In light of Sasikala’s case, healthcare professionals are advocating for community education programmes on the importance of seeking professional medical assistance during pregnancy and childbirth. The reliance on social media and online videos for such critical information can lead to dangerous outcomes if professional guidance is not involved.

As investigations continue, authorities are calling for a review of policies regarding maternal health education and resources available to expectant families. It is essential to ensure that similar tragedies do not occur in the future and that expectant mothers are provided with safe birthing options.

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During a recent parliamentary session, Albanese disclosed that the government is exploring options to strengthen the existing ban. He emphasised the necessity of reviewing whether the laws could be improved and if eSafety Commissioner Julie Inman Grant is adequately equipped with the necessary powers.

The Australian government was the first globally to implement laws designed to prevent young individuals from using social media. However, numerous minors reportedly continue to maintain accounts on popular platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube. This has prompted a comprehensive reassessment of the legislation.

International Responses and Developments

In a related move, the United Kingdom recently announced plans to prohibit children under 16 from accessing several social media outlets to mitigate exposure to harmful content and excessive screen usage. Similarly, countries such as Canada, Brazil, and Indonesia have either enacted or proposed regulations that impose age-related restrictions on social media access for children.

Other nations like France, Spain, Denmark, Thailand, and South Korea are in the process of evaluating or developing comparable measures aimed at protecting younger audiences from online risks. These countries are considering similar restrictions in a bid to enhance child safety in digital environments.

Inman Grant has indicated that legal measures may be taken against major platforms including Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, TikTok, and YouTube, alleging that they are not adequately protecting Australian children from accessing their services. Should these platforms fail to comply with the regulations, they may face fines reaching up to 49.5 million Australian dollars.

Concerns Over Current Ban Effectiveness

Experts, such as Lisa Given from Melbourne’s RMIT University, have expressed concerns regarding the current government ban and its evident limitations. She referenced eSafety data from March indicating that approximately 70 per cent of underage users still possessed accounts on platforms despite the existing prohibitions. Additionally, a recent study highlighted that 85 per cent of Australian teenagers aged 12 to 17 were utilising restricted platforms.

Inman Grant has articulated difficulties in enforcing the current legislation, suggesting that either more powers or an alternative approach to enforcement may be required. Given remarked that legal clarification might soon be necessary to define what constitutes “reasonable steps,” in compliance with the law.

The Sydney Morning Herald reported remarks from Inman Grant earlier in June, where she stated, “I don’t have potent powers.” This raised questions about the effectiveness of regulatory bodies, highlighting the significance of providing them with adequate tools and resources to fulfil their mandates.

In his statements to Parliament, Albanese confirmed that the government regards this issue as a priority. He acknowledged the complexities associated with modern digital challenges and reaffirmed plans for forthcoming legislation termed “digital duty of care.” This legislation aims to hold platforms accountable for foreseeable damages resulting from their content and algorithms, further tightening the enforcement of social media bans for children.

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Local citizens quickly contacted the police and fire services upon noticing the flames. Emergency responders, including fire brigade teams and police personnel, arrived rapidly at the scene to manage the crisis. Firefighters were able to contain the blaze, preventing it from spreading further within the building.

Initial reports indicate that the fire originated in an office area of the school, referred to locally as Iram College. Fire tenders were deployed to the site, demonstrating a coordinated effort from multiple firefighting units to bring the flames under control after diligent work over a sustained period.

No Casualties or Injuries Reported

Authorities confirmed that there have not been any casualties or injuries reported related to the fire. Nevertheless, assessments are ongoing to evaluate the extent of any damage inflicted on the school facilities. The prompt action by emergency services has reportedly mitigated the risk of a larger incident.

The Iram School is situated under the Thakurganj police jurisdiction and falls within the Enforcement Zone-7 of the Lucknow Development Authority. Officials are currently investigating the cause of the fire, focusing on potential electrical faults and other technical issues as possible contributing factors.

This incident comes on the heels of the recent Aliganj tragedy, which has led to increased scrutiny and safety inspections across Lucknow. Following the earlier fire, local authorities have been working to ensure tighter safety protocols are implemented to avoid similar occurrences in the future.

Investigation Underway to Determine Cause

The local administration has initiated a thorough investigation to ascertain what caused the blaze at Iram School. Fire and police departments are examining various aspects that could have led to this incident, as the exact reason remains undetermined as of now.

While it is unclear if this fire is related to any systemic issues identified in previous safety audits, officials are committed to understanding the root cause. The comprehensive investigation aims to prevent recurrences and enhance safety measures within educational institutions across Lucknow.

In light of the recent fires, officials have reiterated the importance of immediate reporting and response in emergencies. They encourage citizens to remain vigilant and report any signs of fire or distress promptly to prevent tragedies from occurring.

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Under the new guidelines, schools have also been directed to establish child protection committees, conduct awareness programmes, strengthen transport and campus safety measures, and submit compliance reports and self-certification documents to district authorities within 15 days. The Directorate of Education (DoE) said strict action would be taken against institutions that fail to implement the measures.

Schools Directed to Strengthen Child Protection Mechanisms

The directions form part of efforts to improve the implementation of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act on school campuses.

In a circular issued on Friday, the Directorate of Education said, “Any employee with a criminal record related to these offences must be suspended from active duty immediately, pending legal proceedings.”

The department has made background verification compulsory for all personnel associated with students, including teaching and non-teaching staff, contractual employees and other workers.

Employees will also be required to furnish affidavits declaring that they have no history of offences against children or violent crimes.

Schools have been instructed to report suspected cases of sexual abuse without waiting for the completion of internal inquiries. According to the circular, failure to comply with the mandatory reporting requirement could attract legal consequences, including imprisonment of up to one year for heads of institutions.

Joint inspection teams comprising education officials and police personnel will begin reviewing implementation of the guidelines from July.

Child Protection Committees and Awareness Programmes Made Mandatory

Schools have been directed to organise awareness sessions on child safety covering body autonomy, safe touch, online threats and available reporting mechanisms.

Students will also be educated about cyberbullying, grooming and sextortion, while teachers and staff will undergo training on provisions of the POCSO Act, the Juvenile Justice Act, mandatory reporting obligations and trauma-informed responses.

Parents are to be sensitised about child protection laws and the warning signs of abuse.

Each school has been instructed to constitute a child protection committee headed by the principal or head of the institution.

The committee will include a nodal teacher, parent representatives, counsellors or senior teachers, a child rights expert and a student representative.

The panel will meet every quarter to review complaints related to bullying, harassment and cyber abuse, monitor child safety measures and ensure proper reporting and maintenance of records.

New Measures Introduced for Campus and Transport Safety

The circular requires schools to preserve CCTV footage for at least 30 days following any incident and provide the recordings to investigating agencies whenever required.

Institutions have also been asked to ensure adequate lighting in corridors, maintain separate toilets for students and put in place visitor management systems.

Child helpline numbers must be displayed prominently, while schools have been directed to adopt a zero-tolerance approach towards sexual abuse, bullying, ragging and harassment.

Periodic safety audits are to be conducted and confidential complaint boxes are to be installed in locations away from staff members and CCTV surveillance.

Detailed instructions have also been issued regarding school transport. Buses must be painted yellow and equipped with GPS devices and two fire extinguishers.

Driver details and emergency contact numbers are required to be displayed prominently. Drivers must possess valid commercial licences, have a minimum of five years’ experience and no criminal record.

The guidelines further state that female attendants should remain on board until the last child has been dropped home.

Staff Asked to Maintain Professional Boundaries

oThe circular lays down a code of conduct for school employees, requiring them to maintain professional boundaries and avoid isolated interactions with students.

Staff members have also been directed to behave respectfully in both physical and digital spaces.

Schools have been instructed to maintain the confidentiality of victims, preserve digital evidence in cyber-related cases and provide counselling and support to affected children.

Overall, the new framework introduces stricter staff screening measures, mandatory reporting obligations and regular monitoring mechanisms, while expanding safety protocols across classrooms, campuses, online platforms and school transportation.

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Mother’s Brief Absence Before the Incident

At the time of the mishap, the child’s mother had stepped out to take her other child to a tutoring session, inadvertently leaving the toddler unattended in their home. Following the fall, neighbors rushed to assist after hearing distressing cries. They promptly notified the authorities regarding the tragic incident.

Medical Response and Authorities’ Action

Emergency responders arrived quickly, providing immediate medical attention to the child. Unfortunately, he was later pronounced dead. Law enforcement officials were dispatched to the scene shortly after notifications were made. They have since taken custody of the child’s body, which has been sent for a post-mortem examination to determine further details surrounding the incident.

Community Shock and Safety Concerns

The local community is grappling with shock and grief in the aftermath of the tragedy. This incident has ignited discussions about child safety in high-rise residential areas. Authorities are emphasizing the importance of vigilant supervision and stringent safety measures for parents, particularly in residences with accessible balconies, to help prevent such heartbreaking occurrences in the future.

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आंगनबाड़ी में गूंजी चीखें, हिम्मत बनकर आगे आईं कंचन बाई

सोमवार दो फरवरी की दोपहर नीमच ज़िले के जावद थाना क्षेत्र के रानपुर गांव में स्थित आंगनबाड़ी परिसर में अचानक अफ़रा-तफ़री मच गई। करीब साढ़े तीन बजे आंगनबाड़ी के आसपास मौजूद बच्चों पर मधुमक्खियों का एक बड़ा झुंड टूट पड़ा। उस समय परिसर में लगभग 20 से 25 बच्चे मौजूद थे, जिनमें प्राथमिक स्कूल के बच्चे भी शामिल थे।

जहां रोज़ बच्चों की हंसी-खुशी गूंजती थी, वहां अचानक चीख-पुकार सुनाई देने लगी। इसी दौरान 55 वर्षीय आंगनबाड़ी सहायिका कंचन बाई ने हालात की गंभीरता को समझा और बिना एक पल गंवाए बच्चों की ओर दौड़ पड़ीं।

दरियां, कंबल और साड़ी से ढककर बचाई 25 जिंदगियां

प्रत्यक्षदर्शियों के अनुसार, मधुमक्खियां सीधे बच्चों पर हमला कर रही थीं। कंचन बाई ने बच्चों को अंदर की ओर ले जाना शुरू किया। उन्होंने आंगनबाड़ी में मौजूद दरियां और कंबल निकालकर बच्चों को ढका और फिर अपनी साड़ी से उन्हें बचाने की कोशिश की।

स्कूल की शिक्षिका गुणसागर जैन बताती हैं कि उस वक्त पूरा माहौल भयावह हो गया था, लेकिन कंचन बाई ने अद्भुत साहस दिखाया। उनके इस कदम से लगभग 25 बच्चों की जान बच गई, जिनमें उनका अपना पोता भी शामिल था। हालांकि बच्चों को बचाते-बचाते कंचन बाई खुद मधुमक्खियों के हमले में बुरी तरह घायल हो गईं।

अस्पताल पहुंचने से पहले मौत

गंभीर हालत में कंचन बाई को सरवानिया महाराज प्राथमिक स्वास्थ्य केंद्र ले जाया गया, जहां डॉक्टरों ने उन्हें मृत घोषित कर दिया। नीमच के पुलिस अधीक्षक अंकित जायसवाल ने बताया कि मधुमक्खियों के हमले के दौरान बच्चों को बचाने की कोशिश में कंचन बाई की जान चली गई।

डॉक्टरों के मुताबिक, मधुमक्खियों के कई डंक लगने से एनाफ़िलेक्टिक शॉक आ सकता है, जो बेहद जानलेवा होता है।

गांव के लोग एक सुर में कहते हैं “अगर कंचन बाई ने हिम्मत न दिखाई होती, तो न जाने कितने बच्चे मारे जाते।” गांव के लिए वह सिर्फ़ एक आंगनबाड़ी सहायिका नहीं, बल्कि भरोसे और सुरक्षा की प्रतीक थीं।

परिवार शोक में, आर्थिक संकट गहराया

कंचन बाई के परिवार में पति शिवलाल, बेटा रवि मेघवाल और पोता है। पति कुछ साल पहले लकवाग्रस्त हो गए थे और लंबे समय से बिस्तर पर हैं। घर की पूरी जिम्मेदारी कंचन बाई पर ही थी।

बेटे रवि कहते हैं कि पिता के इलाज में अब तक पांच से छह लाख रुपये खर्च हो चुके हैं, जिसके लिए ज़मीन तक बेचनी पड़ी। आज भी हर महीने दवाइयों पर हज़ारों रुपये खर्च होते हैं।

रवि भावुक होकर कहते हैं, “मां पर गर्व है। उन्होंने बच्चों को हमेशा भगवान का रूप माना। उन्होंने इस काम को कभी नौकरी नहीं समझा, बल्कि अपना धर्म माना।”

गांव के सरपंच लालाराम रावत ने परिवार को सहायता देने और सरकार से आर्थिक मदद व बेटे के रोज़गार के लिए सिफ़ारिश करने का भरोसा दिया है।

कंचन बाई की शहादत ने रानपुर गांव को गहरे शोक में डुबो दिया है। उनकी कहानी सिर्फ़ बहादुरी की नहीं, बल्कि उस निस्वार्थ सेवा की है, जिसमें एक महिला ने बच्चों की जान बचाने के लिए अपनी ज़िंदगी कुर्बान कर दी।

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The children arrived at the Directorate of Social Welfare, where officials from the department and child rights organisations formally handed them over to their families. SCPCR Chairperson Agatha Sangma said the operation prioritised the safety and emotional well-being of the children.

Concerns over illegal transfers

Agatha Sangma expressed gratitude to authorities in both Meghalaya and Karnataka for their cooperation but raised concerns over the increasing number of minors being taken out of the state without following proper legal procedures. She cited a recent case that prompted the government to introduce a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) governing transfers of children below 18 years to institutions outside Meghalaya.

“The proposed SOP mandates prior intimation to District Child Protection Officers, proper documentation, verification of the receiving institution’s legal credentials, clarity on the purpose and duration of the stay, medical examinations, and direct communication between authorities of both states,” said an official from the Social Welfare Department.

Agatha also urged parents to remain vigilant, noting that several families were unaware of the names or locations of the institutions to which their children had been sent.

Children from economically weaker families

Social Welfare Director Camelia Doreen Lyngwa said the department had been alerted to the case in August. Most of the affected children came from economically weaker households, where parents had hoped to provide them with better educational opportunities outside Meghalaya.

An inspection by the Chikkaballapur District Child Protection Officer (DCPO) revealed that the facility housing the children was unregistered and in poor condition, leading to their return.

The Social Welfare Department and the SCPCR have assured continued monitoring to ensure the safety of children and prevent similar incidents in the future.

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Arpan – one of India’s largest non-profit working on Child Sexual Abuse prevention and intervention, in collaboration with VP Police, Raigad Police Department and WCD Raigad*, has rolled out a unique campaign wherein over 250 Ganpati pandals and key visarjan routes in various locations across Raigad district and VP Rd. Mumbai, will be transformed into spaces for spreading knowledge on Child Sexual Abuse prevention.

This initiative aims to empower children with the essential knowledge and skills to actively participate in their own safety, while simultaneously raising awareness among adults about protecting children against the risks of Child Sexual Abuse.

Child Sexual Abuse is a horrific crime, with 187 cases of CSA reported daily and over 97% of the offenders known to the victim (NCRB 2022). Hence, the campaign focuses on Prevention – the key to safeguarding children from abuse, by promoting Personal Safety Education (PSE). PSE empowers children to recognise unsafe situations, refuse them and seek support in case of violation.

For the millions of parents and children visiting the pandals, the campaign communicates the 5 key PSE messages, using the story of a character called Pinky. These messages will be placed at strategic locations in the pandals where devotees line up for Darshan, so they can read and imbibe the messages. Each banner features a QR code, which will give them access to the entire story of Pinky for free on Arpan’s e-learning site, making learning accessible for parents and children as they are waiting in line. The story has been co-created with the support of the children’s magazine Tinkle.

Mrs. Aanchal Dalal, Superintendent of Police, Raigad cites: “We are happy to be associated with Arpan’s powerful campaign about personal safety awareness at Ganpati Pandals this year. It is critical to communicate to society that Child Sexual Abuse can be prevented if parents and children are aware. As protectors of the law, we whole-heartedly support their endeavour.”

Mr. Shrikant Hawale, Women and Child Development Dept. Officer, Raigad, says “Children are our future and as adults it is our responsibility to safeguard them. Child Sexual Abuse can traumatise them for life, hence it is important to prevent it, which can happen through teaching children personal safety skills and making adults aware. WCD Raigad supports Arpan in their campaign by ensuring that the key personal safety messages reach maximum parents and their children at the Ganesha pandals”.

“At Arpan, we envision a world free from Child Sexual Abuse. This is only possible when we work together to keep children safe from sexual abuse. We are extremely appreciative of The Mumbai Police who have always been forthcoming in their support to Arpan’s endeavours. We are grateful to the VP Rd Police (Mumbai), Raigad Police and WCD, Raigad for this collaboration. With this partnership, we are committed to creating a protective environment, by empowering adults to stay vigilant and actively fulfill their role in safeguarding children. By equipping children with the knowledge and skills to identify safe and unsafe touches and seek help when needed, we aim to build a stronger, safer community for every child.”, says Pooja Taparia, Founder and CEO of Arpan.

Ganeshotsav celebrates Lord Ganesha as the deity of wisdom and knowledge. What better moment to share the priceless wisdom of personal safety with children and families? This year, Arpan’s initiative, backed strongly by VP Rd (Mumbai) Police, Raigad Police Department, and WCD Raigad, ensures that the Ganesh festivities stand for devotion and also ignites a powerful movement toward a safer, more secure society for every child.

Disclaimer: This media release is auto-generated. The CSR Journal is not responsible for the content.

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Every day, children living in wars across the globe face unspeakable horrors. They are not safe while doing normal life things like sleeping in their homes or playing outside, learning in school or seeking medical care at hospitals. From killing and maiming, abduction and sexual violence, to attacks on education and health facilities, and the denial of the humanitarian assistance that they desperately need, children are subjected to undeserving fate at the behest of warring parties at a staggering scale.

The UN Secretary-General Annual Report on Children and Armed Conflict highlights that in 2022 alone:

– Over 8,630 children were killed or maimed, a 5% increase compared to 2021. The use of explosive ordnance, including explosive remnants of war, improvised explosive devices, and landmines, was responsible for over 25% of the killing and maiming of children.

– 7,622 children were recruited or used in conflicts, with 85% of these being boys. Factors such as sex, age, disability, ethnicity, religion, geopolitical location, and economic status primarily determine a child’s risk of recruitment and the violations they experience.

– 3,985 children were abducted, with the highest numbers occurring in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Somalia, Burkina Faso, Myanmar, and Mozambique.

– 1,166 children were victims of sexual violence, with 99% of cases perpetrated against girls, who are disproportionately affected by such violence.

– 3,931 incidents of denial of humanitarian access were reported, with the most affected areas being Israel and the State of Palestine, Yemen, Afghanistan, Mali, and Burkina Faso.

– 1,846 incidents of attacks on schools and hospitals were verified, showing a sharp increase of over 110%, with a significant rise in the use of schools and hospitals for military purposes.

These alarming statistics reveal the severe impact of conflict on children, emphasising the urgent need to protect and support them. One essential way to provide this support is through the presence of child counselors in schools. Child counselors play a crucial role in helping children cope with trauma, stress, and emotional difficulties. They provide a safe space for children to express their feelings and thoughts, helping them to navigate through complex emotions and experiences. This support is not only vital for children in conflict zones but also for those facing everyday challenges. However, the reality in Indian schools reveals a significant gap between this necessity and its implementation.

The Role of Child Counsellors

Child counselors are trained professionals who specialise in understanding and addressing the emotional, psychological, and social needs of children. They provide a safe space for children to express their feelings and thoughts, helping them to navigate through complex emotions and experiences. The benefits of having child counselors in schools are manifold:

1. Emotional Support: Counselors offer emotional support to children who may be dealing with personal issues, family problems, or bullying. This support is crucial for their mental well-being.

2. Behavioral Guidance: They help children develop healthy coping mechanisms and positive behavior patterns, which can lead to better academic and social outcomes.

3. Early Intervention: Counselors can identify signs of mental health issues early on and provide timely intervention, preventing more serious problems from developing.

4. Safe Environment: They contribute to creating a safe and nurturing school environment where children feel valued and understood.

The Reality in Indian Schools

The Central Board of Secondary Education has issued a guideline making it mandatory to have counsellors in schools. Despite this, only three per cent of private schools in the country have counselling services, as per a report by the Associated Chambers of Commerce and Industry of India (ASSOCHAM). The situation in the government schools is far worse.

Many Indian schools, especially in rural areas, operate with limited resources. They struggle to provide basic infrastructure, let alone specialised services like counseling. The focus often remains on academic achievement, with little attention given to mental health and emotional well-being.

Moreover, there is a significant shortage of trained child counsellors in India. The demand far exceeds the supply, and many schools cannot afford to hire full-time counselors. In some cases, teachers or staff members with little to no training in counseling are asked to fill this role, which can be ineffective and potentially harmful.

Mental health issues and counseling still carry a stigma in many parts of India. Parents and even educators may be reluctant to seek help for children, fearing social ostracism or labeling. This cultural barrier prevents many children from accessing the support they need.

Steps Towards Improvement

To bridge the gap between the need for child counselors and the current reality in Indian schools, several steps can be taken:

1. Government Initiatives: The government must prioritise mental health in education policies and allocate funds specifically for counselling services. Programs like the National Mental Health Programme can be expanded to include a focus on school counselling.

2. Training and Recruitment: There should be increased efforts to train and recruit more child counsellors. Offering incentives and scholarships for students pursuing careers in child psychology and counselling can help address the shortage of professionals.

3. Awareness Campaigns: Public awareness campaigns can help reduce the stigma associated with mental health. Educating parents, teachers, and students about the importance of mental well-being and the role of counselors can create a more supportive environment.

4. Collaboration with NGOs: Non-governmental organisations (NGOs) can play a crucial role in filling the gaps. Collaborations between schools and NGOs can provide access to counseling services, especially in under-resourced areas.

5. Integration into Curriculum: Mental health education should be integrated into the school curriculum. Teaching children about emotional intelligence, resilience, and coping strategies can empower them to seek help when needed.

Conclusion

The International Day of Innocent Children Victims of Aggression reminds us of our collective responsibility to protect and support the children in our communities. Child counselors in schools are a vital component of this support system, providing essential services that can significantly impact a child’s development and well-being. While the current reality in Indian schools falls short of this ideal, concerted efforts from the government, educators, and society at large can pave the way for a brighter, healthier future for our children. By prioritising mental health and ensuring the presence of child counselors in every school, we can create a more nurturing and supportive environment for all children to thrive.

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The #WebSafeAndWise campaign aims to create a safer online environment for children and protect them from the escalating risks posed by the increasing use of digital technology and internet connectivity. There has been a significant surge in crimes against children in the online space, making it imperative to take urgent action for the welfare and protection of the young generation. The initiative will begin with a comprehensive study over the next three months to assess the situation and design an effective program along with creating awareness amongst children, parents and school teachers.

Talking about the partnership, Shri. Madhu Bangarappa Hon’ble Minister of Primary and Secondary Education, Government of Karnataka, said, “The Karnataka government extends its full support to the campaign and the study on prevention of OSEAC. There are over 1.20 crore children that are studying from 1st standard to 12th standard, covering 2 crore parents in the state. Online sexual exploitation and abuse of children is a severe crime against our children that requires urgent attention and strong measures. This project will provide security for children, which is of utmost concern. The efforts of KSCPCR, Women and Child Development Ministry and ChildFund India for this convergence project are to be highly appreciated and I assure to take up at the school and policy level.”

Shri. Rajesh Ranjan Singh, Board Member of ChildFund India said, “We firmly believe that by joining forces, the Karnataka State Commission for Protection of Child Rights and ChildFund India have taken a giant stride towards securing the innocence and well-being of our children in the digital age. Through our combined efforts, we are committed to developing comprehensive programs that not only prevent the exploitation and abuse of children online but also create a safer virtual landscape for their exploration and growth. Together, we shall shield their innocence, empower their potential, and pave the way for a brighter, safer future for every child in Karnataka.”

Following the launch, a round table discussion took place, in which various government stakeholders participated. The discussion focused on understanding the challenges posed by OSEAC and exploring the crucial roles stakeholders can play in combating the issue effectively and urgently. Key discussion points from stakeholders included integrating OSEAC with training programs for the police department, developing clear guidelines for prevention across various departments, and sensitizing personnel in residential schools and hostels.

The joint initiative #WebSafeAndWise sets a promising precedent in the fight against online sexual exploitation and abuse of children in Karnataka. Through collective efforts and continued support from all stakeholders, the partnership aims to ensure a safer and more secure future for the children of the state.

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