Child sexual abuse a matter of concern, say students at meet

 Students from different districts of Karnataka discussed the problems they face at school, at the State-level children’s meet here on Tuesday.

 

Lack of toilets and drinking water and poor safety measures were some of the issues that were highlighted by the students in a group discussion at the programme that was organised by the Karnataka Child Rights Observatory (KCRO). 

Nischitha B R, a student from KLL School, Birur, Chikkamagaluru district, said that parents were feeling insecure to send their wards to schools in the wake of increasing cases of child sexual abuse in educational institutions.

“Institutions such as Morarji Desai Model School, run by the Social Welfare department, are usually located on the outskirts and in case of emergencies, students cannot get in touch with their dear ones,” she said.

Madesh H P, a student at government PU College, Mandya, said that the State government should monitor educational institutions closely to check child marriages.

“A total of 80 children are taking part in the event, two students representing each district. The students were selected at the district-level during the Child Rights parliament programme held earlier.

The issues highlighted during the group discussion will be put forward before Chief Minister Siddaramaiah by the students, on Thursday,” said Nagasimha Rao, campaign co-ordinator, KCRO.

The State-level children’s meet is conducted every year with the support of the Karnataka State Commission for Protection of Child Rights and the Unicef.