Officials stress child protection, POCSO awareness, and cyber safety during a legal awareness programme at a Tumakuru school
A legal awareness and assistance programme held at St. Mary's Girls' High School in Tumakuru highlighted the importance of child safety, POCSO awareness, women's empowerment, and cybercrime prevention. Officials urged students, educators, and society to work collectively to protect children and ensure a safe environment for their growth and development.
Tumakuru: Protecting children from abuse and ensuring their safety must be a shared responsibility of society, District Women and Child Development Officer Ambika K.H. said while addressing a legal awareness and assistance programme in Tumakuru.
The programme was organised at St. Mary's Girls' High School, Gandhinagar, under the joint initiative of the District Administration, Zilla Panchayat, Women and Child Development Department, Women Empowerment Unit, Tumakuru, and the school administration. The event focused on child protection laws, women's welfare schemes, legal awareness, and cybercrime prevention.
POCSO Awareness Programme Held in Tumakuru School
Speaking at the event, Ambika K.H. emphasised that community participation plays a crucial role in preventing crimes against children and ensuring justice for victims.
She explained that the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act was enacted to safeguard children from various forms of sexual abuse and exploitation. Under the law, every individual below the age of 18 is legally considered a child.
According to her, the legislation clearly defines offences including sexual harassment, sexual assault, aggravated sexual abuse, and the use of children for obscene or exploitative purposes.
"Child safety cannot be left to families alone. Society as a whole must take responsibility for protecting children and ensuring their well-being."
Students Need Awareness of Laws and Welfare Schemes
Presiding over the programme, Sister Violets, Principal of St. Mary's High School, highlighted the importance of educating students about government welfare schemes and legal protections available for women and children.
She noted that awareness programmes help students understand their rights while fostering self-confidence, legal literacy, and social responsibility.
According to her, informed students are better equipped to identify risks, seek assistance when required, and contribute positively to society.
POCSO Act Strengthens Child Protection Framework
District Mission Coordinator of the Women Empowerment Unit, Shashidhar H.G., who attended the event as a resource person, described children as the nation's most valuable assets.
He stressed that safeguarding their dignity, safety, and overall development is a collective duty. He explained that the POCSO Act serves as a critical legal framework aimed at preventing all forms of sexual abuse against children.
"The POCSO Act not only protects children's rights but also creates a safer environment by prescribing strict punishment for offenders."
He added that awareness about the law is essential for both children and adults to ensure timely reporting and prevention of offences.
Cybercrime Awareness and Emergency Helpline Information
Addressing students on cyber safety, accountant Pooja Sri S. explained the growing threat posed by cybercrime and digital fraud.
She said cybercrime includes illegal activities carried out through computers, mobile devices, and the internet. Common forms of cybercrime include online banking fraud, hacking, identity theft, data breaches, and social media harassment.
She advised students and citizens to report cyber fraud immediately by calling the national cybercrime helpline number 1930 or by lodging complaints through the National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal.
Officials also highlighted the importance of emergency support services and shared key helpline numbers available to the public:
- Women Helpline: 181
- Child Helpline: 1098
- Emergency Response Support System: 112
- Cybercrime Helpline: 1930
"Immediate reporting plays a vital role in preventing further damage in cybercrime and emergency situations."
Teachers, Students Participate in Legal Awareness Initiative
The programme witnessed active participation from students, teaching staff, and administrative personnel.
Among those present were Head Teacher Sister Trisla Varghese, teachers Manjula Devi and Lavanya, Sister Pilomina, Programme Assistant Ranjithra B.R., along with members of the school's teaching and non-teaching staff.
Organisers said such awareness initiatives are essential in empowering young people with knowledge about legal rights, personal safety, cyber security, and social responsibilities.
Child Protection Awareness Remains Key Priority
The programme concluded with a call for continued awareness efforts to ensure children grow up in a safe and supportive environment. Officials stressed that strengthening child protection mechanisms requires cooperation between families, schools, communities, and government institutions.
With growing concerns over child safety, cybercrime, and social vulnerabilities, experts believe awareness programmes such as these play a vital role in creating informed and responsible citizens.
