Effective implementation of Child Protection Policies crucial: KSCPCR

Mangaluru: Rising child rights violations in educational institutions can be prevented through effective implementation of Child Protection Policies (CPPs), said KT Thippeswamy, member of Karnataka State Commission for Protection of Child Rights.He was speaking after inaugurating a workshop on child protection policy for child protection committee members and student representatives on Tuesday. Thippeswamy urged teachers to be aware of how to address child rights violations at the school level with the support of CPPs."Child Protection Policy has to be implemented in every educational institution having children below the age of 18 years. Even after 10 years, the Child Protection Policy is not implemented effectively in educational institutions. Realising the lack of awareness, child welfare committees across the state are organising workshops for the effective implementation of the child protection policy in schools and colleges," he said.Thippeswamy said there is a need to ensure children's rights are not violated within school and college campuses, adding that schools must play a key role in protecting children. He cited increasing cases of atrocities against children, including sexual assault and Pocso cases involving minors, teen pregnancies, child marriages, and suicides among minors. He said teachers must act as legal guardians of children on campus and until they return home.Akshatha Adarsh, chairperson of the Dakshina Kannada Child Welfare Committee, said parents should not focus only on academic performance but also prioritise teaching human values to children.Renni D'souza, CEO of Padi and the resource person at the workshop, said implementing the child protection policy helps school authorities respond better to child rights violations. He said issues such as aggression among children, student dropouts, sexual assault, and mental torture can be addressed through a child protection policy.