Loyola School Jamshedpur organizes awareness workshops on child safety and rights

Jamshedpur, October 8: A one-day workshop on child sexual abuse and a safe environment for children was organized for the support staff of Loyola School Telco and Bistupur. The two laws under this, the POCSO and the Juvenile Justice Act, were highlighted.

This workshop focused on raising awareness regarding child safety and their rights. Chandana Bose from CACA group, Kolkata, was the resource person of the workshop. She shared and discussed ways to provide a safe environment for children at school. She talked about how children often felt uncomfortable at home, but were unable to talk openly about the subject due to fear or social pressure. In schools, on the other hand, these problems can become more apparent. Therefore, children needed immediate attention. She explained the POCSO Act (Protection of Children from Sexual Offenses Act, 2012) and shared detailed information about the Juvenile Justice Act (2015), which protected children from sexual exploitation and other crimes.

Under the POCSO Act, sexual exploitation of children under the age of 18 was considered a criminal offence. In 2019, this law was amended and made stricter, providing for severe penalties such as life imprisonment. Under the Juvenile Justice Act, offenders under the age of 18 were held in reform homes and not in prison.

This workshop also emphasized the need to be sensitive to children and take precautions for their safety. For example, if a child feels uncomfortable in class or while going to the toilet, teachers and school support staff should take this into account. It was everyone’s responsibility to raise awareness in schools to keep children safe.

It was necessary to raise awareness against child sexual abuse and provide a safe environment for children. The use of appropriate words was important in the workplace so that children could grow up in a safe and positive environment. Principal Fr Vinod Fernandes, Fr KM Joseph, Vice Principal Vineeta Ekka, Fr Gerry and all staff were present in this workshop.