Concern over increasing atrocities against children

'Kids should become strong and fight against injustice'

Speakers at the child safety week expressed concern over increasing number of atrocities against children and called upon the schoolchildren to fight against injustice.

They pointed out that children should be taught on safe touch and unsafe touch. It is the duty of parents and teachers to instill self-confidence in children. Children should be made to overcome inferiority complex and become strong.

Sahyadri College of Engineering and Management Academic Administrative Officer Shreelatha emphasised on the need to strengthen the relationship between the family and the child, which was basic to protection of children’s rights.

A child learns about human values, and roles and responsibilities towards society and nation, from family members. “Girl children should not consider themselves as weak. The moment they consider themselves as weak, the problem arises,” she said.

Stating that children should spend quality time with the family members, she said that children should keep computer, internet, social networking sites at a distance and develop social relationship.

DIET Principal Cyprian Monteiro said “though India has made progress in science and technology, we are still lagging behind in social development index. The social evils of bonded labour, child labour and human trafficking continues to haunt the country. Education will bring in a social revolution and will help in checking social evils. Enforcement of law should be strengthened to check crime against children,” he added.

Prajna Counselling Centre founder Director Prof Hilda Rayappan said that children should not be lured into substance abuse. “The children should place a fence around them and should not allow strangers to come inside the fence,” she said.

Compared to the past, there is insecurity among children. The schoolchildren should face any threat boldly and inform elders on the happenings in the school. Do not get carried away by any attractive offers from strangers, she cautioned.

ZP Vice President Sathish Kumpala said children should be able to distinguish between right and wrong. The parents should keep a tab on the daily activities of their children, to ensure that they do not follow wrong path.

Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan in charge officer Geetha said that as a part of the child safety week, programmes will be held at all the blocks on Wednesday. Awareness programmes will be held at school- level on December 4, 5 and 6.

Every school should mandatorily display the phone number of jurisdictional police station in the notice board. Child safety programmes have been prepared by all the schools, playhomes, montessoris and NGOs.

Every school should constitute Parent Teacher Association. In case of any untoward incidents reported in the school, then it should be immediately brought to the notice of district child protection unit, and the police, she added.