Implement school safety guidelines – Daily Excelsior

In a major step towards ensuring safety and security of children across the country, the Supreme Court has directed all states and colleges to notify the Center’s 2021 guidelines on safety and security in schools. This directive, which was issued following a plea from the NGO Bachpan Bachao Andolan, reminds us of the urgent need to protect children in schools, an issue that has been repeatedly highlighted but remains insufficiently addressed. Schools are intended to be havens for learning, where students can grow intellectually, socially, and emotionally. However, increasing incidents of bullying, sexual abuse and safety lapses have undermined parents’ confidence in schools as safe places for their children. These concerns culminated in the 2021 Guidelines on Safety and Security in Schools issued by the Union Ministry of Education, which aims to ensure that schools across the country adopt standardized measures to protect children from all forms of exploitation , damage and abuse. The guidelines represent a comprehensive approach to ensuring the safety and security of children in schools. They are designed to address the physical, psychological and emotional well-being of children and provide a framework that goes beyond simply preventing physical harm. In calling for its immediate implementation, the SC has underlined the crucial importance of protecting children within the school environment, a sentiment echoed by parents, educators and child rights activists alike.
Despite the existence of the guidelines, progress has been alarmingly slow. Only five states have announced these guidelines since their introduction in 2021. This reflects a disturbing apathy towards the issue of school safety at the state and UT levels, with many children remaining vulnerable to a wide range of threats. It is not only a legal requirement for states to implement these guidelines; it is a moral obligation to protect the youngest and most vulnerable members of society.
The SC directive places the onus squarely on the shoulders of the state secretaries and UTs, urging them to ensure compliance with the guidelines. However, the role of states and universities should not end with mere information. Proactive implementation, continuous monitoring and regular evaluation should be followed to ensure that these guidelines are not just words on paper but are actively enforced in every school. This also requires capacity building at local level. Many schools, especially in rural and underserved areas, lack the resources or infrastructure to effectively implement safety guidelines. Governments must allocate resources, provide training and support school boards to create a safer environment for students. Safety mechanisms should be integrated into every aspect of school management – ​​from the construction of buildings and playgrounds to hiring staff and developing a child-friendly school culture.
While guidelines are a crucial first step, they do not carry the same weight as laws, which have specific enforcement mechanisms and penalties for non-compliance. Thus, the ultimate goal should be to enact robust legislation mandating school safety and security at both public and private institutions. Such legislation should cover a wide range of issues, from the safety of physical infrastructure, including fire safety, secure access points, CCTV and the psychological well-being of children, including mechanisms for tackling bullying, emotional abuse and mental health support healthcare. . In addition, strict vetting procedures must be in place for all staff working in school buildings, including security staff, bus drivers and support staff.
Schools should not be solely responsible for ensuring the safety of children in their buildings. It requires a joint effort from parents, local communities, law enforcement agencies and the judiciary. Importantly, the safety of children in schools should be considered a national priority. The fact that the SC had to intervene to direct states and universities to implement guidelines underlines the need for a change in mindset. The safety of children should not depend on court orders, but should be embedded in the governance of the education system.