The Need for Personal Safety Education in Child Safety

Dec. 18, 2024, 4 p.m.

According to the National Crime Record Bureau (NCRB), amidst the rising cases of Child Sexual Abuse (CSA), reported instances have surged by over 80% between 2014 and 2022. Despite the existence of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act (POCSO Act), proactive measures are necessary to combat this menace effectively. It is the need of the hour to ensure child safety and thus calls for the urgency of personal safety education.

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Integration of Personal Safety Education (PSE) into school curricula, as outlined in the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, is crucial. This initiative empowers children with knowledge and skills to prevent and address CSA. The program, adopting a multifaceted approach, educates children to recognize abuse and provides a safe space for disclosure, collaborating with adult caregivers. What becomes the core of PSE Program is the concept of empowerment and consent, fostering healthy relationships and advocacy for safety. Tailoring the same to India's socio-cultural dynamics and integrating PSE into various subjects thus equips students to navigate real-life situations confidently.

Addressing societal norms and cultural stigmas around CSA is pivotal. PSE facilitates open conversations, crucial for early intervention and support. Apart from that, collaborative efforts with tech leaders and parental involvement are essential for online safety, fostering open communication and trust. Key strategies include policy development mandating PSE integration, comprehensive teacher training, resource development, and stakeholder collaboration. By pooling collective efforts, we can pave the way for a future where every child flourishes in a safe and empowering environment.