OVERCOMING CHALLENGES TO SAFEGUARD CHILDREN

 

Vimala Rani is working as a case manager at Bengaluru Junction Child Help Desk since 13 years. She has been working with the Bosco Yuvodaya a partner of CHILDLINE India Foundation since 15 years. Prior to CHILDLINE, she has worked with another NGO for seven years. She has a total work experience of over 20 years in the development sector working with children.

Currently, I am working as a case manager. Previously, I have worked as a team member. My key roles and responsibilities include conducting outreach and awareness programs for stakeholders and the general public and rescuing and rehabilitating the children. When we rescue the child, we try to understand their situation, their basic needs and fulfil them.  We follow the entire due diligence process.  For the initial discussion, we fill up the intervention form for our record keeping. Then we inform the GRP for General Diary entry.  If we have to produce the child before CWC (Child Welfare Committee), we have to fill up the form 17. Whenever we rescue a child we inform CWC via a telephone call. After listening to the full story they will give order whether to restore with the parents or produce the child before CWC or sent to CCI for further process and counselling.

Based on their orders we conduct rest of proceedings. If we have to hand over the child to parents, we take a signed form 18 from them; family photo, ration card, aadhar card and the parents have to write a letter to Child Help Desk stating that they are taking the child. If the child is studying we take the school or study certificate. After verifying all the documents we send the child with the parents. We also show the file with all the documents to the CWC members.  They verify and sign the file.

At the Bengaluru station, we receive cases of trafficking, yellow pill i.e. elopement cases, runaway and lost and found cases. Whenever we receive an eloping case, our entire day goes in proceedings of the case. In most cases of eloping cases, the girls are around 12, 13 or 15 years and are accompanied by the boys who are around 20-22 or 30 years age. Initially, the girl says that the boy is her brother. We know that they are lying. So we separate them and give them time to open up and tell the truth. We also try to check their aadhar card or any other documentation, if they have. While counselling the girl usually starts to tell the truth. Often, they just take 100 rupees in their pocket and run away. When we question them they say Bengaluru is a big city, we will earn something for ourselves. But they do not understand reality, it is not easy.

In trafficking cases, we face a lot of language barriers, especially when the children are from different regions. Intervening and communicating with children who are from religious Institutions is difficult because people from their community gather around us while we rescue them.  When the traffickers say that the children are going for study, it becomes difficult for us to intervene. The children often say that they are studying in the first standard.  In reality, they have never gone to school in their native place. We definitely do not let them go. When we ask them to show documents for study purpose, they do not have anything. We have to be strict and firm in such cases. If we get the chance to talk to the children in person, they reveal the real reason. When we take the children and the traffickers to the police station, they say that they are relatives. This becomes a real problem for us. Even if police refuses to file an FIR, we do not send the children with the traffickers. We ask the parents to come and verify. When the parents arrive with the documents, we produce the children and the parents in front CWC. The CWC will verify all the documents and then they will send the children to their home.  We do phone follow-ups after every 15 days, 30 days, 45 days, 90 days, 6 months, 9months and 1 year. We talk to the parents. If the child is available at home we talk to the child. If they require, we do telephonic counselling for the children.

We faced several challenges while working on cases during the pandemic. Only the CHILDLINE staff was working from the railway stations.  We rescued many children during the pandemic. The biggest challenge for us was getting the COVID tests are done and arranging for the quarantine facilities. Whenever we have to send a child to the open shelter, the first thing they whether the COVID test is done. Since the last two months, the BBMP (Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike) staff is working at the railway station. They are doing the COVID test for all the passengers and children. They give the results very quickly. We have built a good rapport with them. 

During the pandemic, in September, I rescued three local children, one brother-sister and a cousin. They were around 11, 12 and 13 years. They came to Bengaluru station to go to Andhra Pradesh. Their mother had remarried. The children had problems with the stepfather. Every day their stepfather was beating them up. The children couldn’t stay at home any longer. I received them at the Bengaluru station at 6.30 pm and immediately informed the CWC members. Next day morning, we came to know that the missing complaint report had been filed by the parents. The police and the parents both came and we restored the children with the family. Now I am doing the phone follow up. We also help them with the ration kits since they were very poor.

Working with CHILDLINE on the frontlines has been a great experience. Every day is a new learning experience. I share my everyday learnings with my daughters. Every day, I have a new story to tell my family. I tell my daughters about what problems children are facing. Working with CHILDLINE, I learnt how to speak softly and build a good rapport with children.  When you work for an organization like CHILDLINE, do not work for a salary. You should work from your heart. When I rescue children and help them, I consider them as my own. Pyaar se kaam karna hai.

I also have one message for the parents. Please be friendly and patient with your children. Give them a chance and listen to them. The family is extremely important.  If you are friendly with your children, they will never run away from you.

LEADING FROM THE FRONT

 

Sachin Dilip Dighe has been working with CHILDLINE past 2 years. He joined as a case manager.  After a year, he was promoted as a project coordinator. Currently, he manages a team of 19 people in three shifts at the Child Help Desk at Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CSMT).

I have 12 years of work experience in the development sector. But I never had the chance to work with the age group of 0-18. In 2018, I got the opportunity to work with CHILDLINE through CCDT (Committed Communities Development Trust). I joined as a case manager and intervened in several cases. Earlier, I used to think that children who run away from home or commit a crime are bad children. However, when I got the opportunity to work with them closely, my perception about them changed.

My key responsibility as the project coordinator is to ensure that the intervention of the rescued children is conducted as per the standard operating protocols. Whether it is general diary entry or the medical process or admitting the child in the shelter home, I ensure that everything is done properly.  At the CSMT station, rescue and rehabilitation of the children is done at three levels. At the first level, the outreach worker identifies and rescues the children. In the second level, the case manager intervenes and talks to the child and maintains the documentation. At the third level the project manager and the counselor intervenes in the case.

My work is to ensure that the case manager is coordinating with the outreach worker in their shift.  Moreover, if there is a new member in my team, I give them a proper orientation. I conduct mock sessions on how to spread awareness about CHILDLINE. While intervening a child, how to collect as much information possible from the child within a short time and document it. We conduct team meetings twice in a month. During such meetings, I organise team and capacity building exercises as well as recreational activities like communication games, perception games and games to improve concentration to keep my team motivated.  I also conduct group discussions in which each member of my team share problems faced during their daily duty and work collectively towards finding solutions. During the lockdown many games and discussion sessions were conducted online.

Apart from this, I focus on building rapport with the stakeholders, RPF, GRP, cleaning staff, station director, Ticket checker, shoe polishers and motivating the staff to do the same. We make a monthly activity plan and assign activities to each team member on how to engage the stakeholder, community and children. Preparing the overall strategy, planning and sharing with the staff are also part of my responsibilities. Since CHILDLINE is functioning at the CSMT station since 5 years we have built a good rapport with them. They cooperate with us.

When the lockdown started, CSMT station was completely shut down.  Our desk was functional from May 15^th 2020 with only two staff members. Apart from CHILDLINE, only GRP and RPF were present at the station.  We were coordinating with the GRP.  If any Shramik train was arriving or departing or if they identify a child, the GRP would call and share details with us. We would guide the GRP and they would do the entire process of intervention.  In June and July, GRP rescued and rehabilitated three children at night. At that time, CHILDLINE did not have permission to work at the child help desk at night.  GRP traced the address of two out of three children and restored them with their family. One child whose address could not be traced was admitted to the Mankhurd shelter home. I was coordinating with the GRP throughout the night.

We majorly receive run away cases and lost and found cases at CSMT station.  Reasons for running away from home vary. Sometimes, children run away from home because they have fought at home, face difficulty in studies or parents scold them. Many children run away from home for jobs or simply to roam around metro city like Mumbai.  Last year, major cases of runaway have come from Odisha Jharkhand and Uttar Pradesh.

As a project coordinator, I work closely with my team and apply my experiences as a case manager to develop new strategies to do more outreach and spread awareness about CHILDLINE. When we rescue children, I try to identify their needs and fulfill them by coordinating them with the existing government set up.

Since lot of children arrive at CSMT station via local trains, I have developed strategies to ensure that more children are rescued at the satellite stations. Previously, only 1-2 team members were present at the satellite stations. After December 2019, I have started sending more team members to satellite stations. We conducted awareness sessions with the boot polishers, RPF staff and ticket checkers at the satellite stations. We provided them with all the information and asked them to call 1098, if they come across any vulnerable child. Before lockdown, platforms 1-7 were satellite stations. After lockdown we have extended our services to the satellite stations of Bhyculla, Masjid Bunder and Sandhurst Road. In the coming months, if the frequency of the trains will increase, more children will come via trains, therefore rescue numbers will go up.

Further plans include working with the families of construction workers who live between Sandhurst road and Masjid Bunder. Before lockdown, we had begun working with them on the de-addiction programme. Due to legal issues of the railway authorities, the families had moved back to their villages. Currently, the families have returned from their villages. We are preparing a plan to start the de-addiction programme with them once again. Currently, we are doing the mock sessions on how to conduct awareness programmes and implement them with the community.

DIGITAL EDUCATION: STILL A DISTANT DREAM FOR MANY?

 

The Coronavirus pandemic has severely affected the traditional brick and mortar education in schools and colleges across the globe. India is no exception. It has led to an exponential growth of digital education throughout the country. Everywhere, the teachers are recording their lectures and uploading of social media platforms like YouTube and sharing links on WhatsApp groups or teaching via various mobile applications.

However, are Indians parents equipped with proper infrastructure to facilitate digital education for their children? Or will the students from rural and urban India gain equal access to online education?  The students in metropolitan cities clearly have an advantage of better infrastructure and long conducive learning hours for online education. The parents are in a better position to facilitate their children with digital learning mediums.

But in rural India, the digital education remains a distant dream for many. Recently, the CHILDLINE 1098 team in Haryana, Mewat district rescued a child working on a construction site. Upon counseling the child revealed that his school is conducting classes online, to which neither he nor anyone in his family owns a smartphone.  In order to buy a smartphone and study better in the future the child was working at the construction site. The child was presented before the Child Welfare Committee (CWC) who handed over the child to his parents after the due diligence process. After few weeks, CHILDLINE visited the child’s place. The child, a student of 8^th Std., was at home and studying. This case is a true reflection of the ground reality of the digital education in India.

On further discussion with principals of Govt. and private schools regarding online classes, it was revealed that, in Govt. schools, teachers have formed WhatsApp groups to provide online education to students. However, it has been observed that only a handful of students have benefitted from this education opportunity. Nearly, 70 percent of the students are unable to access online education. In private schools only 50 percent of the children are able to access online education. This is mainly due to the lack of infrastructure or internet connectivity.

In some cases, only one parent has a smartphone which they take to work and children have to wait till that parent returns home. In households with only one smartphone, gender disparity is hugely prevalent. The male child is given priority over the female child to access the smartphone. The stakeholders from the education department are trying to provide education to all the children during the lockdown however due to lack of infrastructure; many children are unable to access the learning mediums.

The local Sarpanchs and village heads can play a great role in facilitating digital education for children. They can help set up proper Wi-Fi system and help children with smartphones or computers in the common spaces for children. Organizations like CHILDLINE 1098 can work as a catalyst and help identify resource organizations to facilitate digital education so that no child will have to engage in child labour for online education.

CHILDLINE PROTECTS AND SUPPORTS A MINOR VICTIM OF ABUSE

On 15^th June 2020, CHILDLINE Rourkela, Odisha, placed a 13-year old girl, Radha (name changed to protect identity) in a shelter home on the orders of Child Welfare Committee (CWC). Radha was rescued from the market place by the Biramitra police station where she was roaming aimlessly. She was kept under the custody of the medical officer at the Biramitrapur Community Health Center (CHC) since she was not feeling well and required medical attention. 

On further counseling, Radha revealed some startling details. She had undergone an abortion the previous night. She also mentioned that earlier the Biramitrapur police station officers had tried to admit her at the CHC. As the counseling session progressed further, CHILDLINE realized that the police along with the doctors had violated the MTP Act (Medical Termination Of Pregnancy Act, 1971). They all had given false information to the CWC.   

The local newspaper covered this case on 21^st June 2020. Next day, CWC recorded the statement of the child. As per orders from the CWC, the local DCPO (District Child Protection Officer) filed an FIR against six people including two police personnel and a medical officer of the CHC in the Biramitrapur area. Subsequently, the officer in-charge was suspended and his statement was recorded on 26^th June 2020. 

After getting all the necessary information, CHILDLINE immediately removed the child from the CHC and restored her with the open shelter. On the orders of the DGP (Director General of Police), the inspector was dismissed from the duty for sexually abusing a 13-year old girl for a period of four months and later forcefully terminating her pregnancy without informing the District Child Welfare Committee. CHILDLINE is providing emotional support, guidance and counseling to help Radha recover from the trauma. 

The DGP shared updates of the case on social media and apologized to the girl on social media.
If you come across any child in distress or trouble, please do not hesitate to call CHILDLINE on 1098.

CHILDLINE INTERVENES AND HELPS MINOR VICTIM OF ABUSE

On 15^th May 2020, CHILDLINE Anantnag, Jammu & Kashmir received a call from the neighbor of the victim of child sexual abuse to report a case. He informed that the 17-year old victim was speech impaired and had been sexually abused by her cousin. CHILDLINE immediately verified the details of the case and visited the victim’s house.

CHILDLINE met the victim’s brother to get more information about the case. The brother said that his sister was closely associated with the cousin due to which the girl got pregnant.  He also mentioned that their family had registered a complaint at the nearby police station.

On the same day, CHILDLINE visited the concerned police station to gain more information about the case. The police informed that the girl had fled and she is to be produced and her statement is yet to be recorded. When CHILDLINE asked the father about the girl’s whereabouts, he claimed to be unaware.

The Sarpanch and the local administration bodies were approached who helped find the girl. Since the girl was speech impaired, the police expressed their difficulty in recording the statement. The police requested CHILDLINE to arrange for a sign language interpreter who could help record the girl’s statement.

Simultaneously, CHILDLINE arranged for the interpreter and produced the child before the district magistrate. The girl’s statement was recorded by the sessions judge, with the help of an interpreter. The accused was taken in the police custody. All the local authorities appreciated CHILDLINE for their help and timely intervention. Furthermore, the sessions judge assured of complete support and help for the girl. Currently, the case is sub-judice and intervention is ongoing.

Child Sexual Abuse is a heinous crime committed against children. Please do not hesitate to call CHILDLINE 1098, if you come across a victim of abuse. 

 

LIFE SAVING SUPPORT FOR A NEW BORN DURING LOCK DOWN

 

During the lock down, in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, each and every individual must be vigilant and careful. However, in the case of pregnant women or women who have just delivered a baby with complications, needs to be extra careful and reach out to the right authorities for the necessary precautions and care.

On 4^th May 2020, CHILDLINE Kochi, Kerala received a call from a father reporting about his 10-day old new born baby’s need for immediate medical support. The baby was born at a general hospital in Ernakulum. Due to breathing problems, the baby was put on a ventilator and referred to Lakshmi hospital. As per the medical report, the baby was suffering from breathing problems coupled with a neurological condition and bleeding in the head.  The child was suffering with hydrocephalus and was in a very critical condition.  For urgent medical intervention the child was taken from Lakshmi Hospital, Ernakulum to Kottayam Medical College (KMC), Kottayam.

The parents also requested for help in settling bills at Lakshmi Hospital, before the discharge. CHILDLINE informed the Child Welfare Committee (CWC) Chairperson. On the same day, CHILDLINE coordinated for all the necessary services and transferred the baby to KMC. In this case, CHILDLINE received unconditional support from IMA (Indian Medical Association) Kochi Chapter and NRHM (National Rural Health Mission) for providing the ambulance and medics to transfer the child to KMC.

On 5^th May 2020, CHILDLINE paid the bills at Lakshmi Hospital. Two members from the CHILDLINE team accompanied the baby, medics and paramedics to KMC. On 8^th May 2020, the father informed CHILDLINE about the gradual progress of the baby who has begun the natural process of breast feeding. The baby doesn’t require surgery, however, will need physiotherapy. The family thanked CHILDLINE for the timely intervention and support.

ONE MORE FAMILY RESCUED FROM THE BRINK OF STARVATION

In an attempt to control the spread of the Coronavirus, the Government of India has announced a complete lockdown. While this precautionary measure is helping to control the spread of this contagious virus, it has led to the rise of major crises for daily wage earners and migrant workers.

They are the worst sufferers of the side effects of the lockdown. They usually live hand-to-mouth and without their daily earnings, they can barely provide for their family. Currently, most of the daily wage earners and migrant workers are out of jobs. It has become extremely difficult for them to feed their family.

CHILDLINE 1098 received a call from a helpless father whose three children have been starving for 3 days. Hailing from Gorakhpur, Uttar Pradesh, Prashant Sinha (name changed to protect identity) came to Vapi, Gujarat nine years ago to work in a tailoring company. Five months ago, he brought his 3 children, Samir age 11 years, Akash age 6 years and Vikram 4 years old (names changed to protect identity) to his residence in Vapi-Valsad.

During the initial days, of the COVID -19 outbreak, the factory owner gave the father some money and necessities. But soon they ran out of resources and the money. The CHILDLINE team member working on this case coordinated with the district administration authorities to arrange for ration and food items for the family.

Within no time, the DSP of Valsad sent his team with all the ration and food items to the family. Upon receiving groceries from the police, the father immediately informed CHILDLINE and thanked for co-coordinating and arranging for food. 

In these challenging times, CHILDLINE is receiving thousands of calls from children and parents who need help to buy ration and food items. You too can join hands with CHILDLINE 1098 and help us fulfil their needs.

WHEN GOING GETS TOUGH, THE TOUGH GET GOING

Thousands of children go missing each year. Children go missing due to a number of possible reasons such as abduction or kidnapping, trafficking, lost children, running away from home due to conflict with family or living in a difficult and aggressive environment.

Large numbers of missing children end up on the streets in acute poverty. Many are forced to engage in unlawful activities. They are extremely vulnerable and easily exploited. In the year 2018-2019, CHILDLINE received approximately 32,000 cases of missing and runaway children each.

CHILDLINE 1098 is 24X7, emergency, toll-free helpline for children who are in distress. The CHILDLINE ground level rescue teams ensure that every child is safe and secure even in tough situations.

CHILDLINE 1098 has safely restored a missing child with his parents during the lockdown of the COVID-19 pandemic. One day before the lockdown began; CHILDLINE 1098 received a call reporting a missing child who was unable to speak and was at Delhi Gate, Ghaziabad, UP. The team members immediately rushed to the location and found the child, Rohan (name changed to protect identity), 17, alone.

Since the child was unable to communicate, CHILDLINE took the child to the Ghaziabad police station. Even the police could not get any information from him. As per the protocol, the child was produced before the Child Welfare Committee (CWC). Though the child was supposed to be sent to the shelter home in Bijnor, UP, the chairperson decided that the boy should be quarantined at a hospital as a preventive measure due to COVID-19 pandemic.

Since the boy did not show any symptoms, the doctor at the MMG hospital in Ghaziabad was not keen to quarantine the child. However, post continuous persuasion from CHILDLINE, the boy was quarantined at the hospital. While the child was in quarantine, the CHILDLINE team member remained with the child and managed to get the contact details of the child’s family and inform them. The child’s family managed to reach Ghaziabad, despite the limited transport facility. After the due diligence process was completed, Rohan was reunited with his family.

COVID-19: DO'S AND DON'TS OF WEARING A MASK

Corona virus and the subsequent lock down have wreaked havoc in our lives. People have to wear a mask and adhere to various preventive measures for simple daily chores like going out to buy groceries, medical supplies or even fill fuel in our cars. While wearing a mask is important, there are certain rules that must be followed. The World Health Organization (WHO) has given several guidelines for the rational use of a mask to protect oneself from infection.

The list of Do’s and Don’ts of wearing a mask:

Do’s

•  It is important to clean your hand with soap and water or sanitizer before wearing a mask.
• Cover your nose and mouth with the mask and make sure that there are no gaps between your face and mask.
• Replace the mask as soon as it becomes damp and do not reuse single use masks.
• To remove the mask, remove it from behind, (do not touch the front of the mask) and  discard it immediately in a closed bin and wash your hands with soap and water or  sanitizer.
• You need to wear a mask, if you are taking care of a COVID-19 patient or a sick patient.
•  Masks are most effective when used in combination with soap and water or sanitizer.

Don’ts

•          Do not use ripped or damp mask.
•         Do not wear a mask only over your nose or mouth.
•          Do not use loose fitting mask.
•         Do not touch the front of the mask.
•         Do not remove your mask to talk to someone.
•          Do not leave your mask within the reach of someone.
•          Do not reuse masks.

Point to remember: Masks alone cannot protect you from COVID-19. Maintain at least 1 meter distance from others and wash your hands frequently and thoroughly even while wearing a mask

HOW TO INCULCATE THE HABIT OF READING AMONG CHILDREN DURING LOCK DOWN ?

We have often heard parents complaining about how their children spend most of their free time playing games on smartphones, laptops or gaming consoles. They rarely read a book or a newspaper or do something constructive. Since our nation is locked down due to the COVID-19 and most outdoor activities have stopped, parents can encourage their children to develop the reading habit.

Getting hard copies of books may not be possible due to the lockdown. However, there are plenty of e-books available online in both English and regional languages for free. These books are easily available to parents and children across India. Indian authored e-books such as Amar Chitra Katha and Malgudi Days can truly stimulate young minds from both rural and urban India. Here are a few ways in which you can inculcate the habit of reading in your young one.

Daily reading time

In order to motivate children to read, you can set aside some reading time in their daily routine. In rural areas, parents can encourage their children to visit their nearest Common Service Centers (CSC) to access these e-learning books. Under the Pradhan Mantri Digital Saksharta Abhiyan, Government has empowered the CSCs with e-learning books that can be accessed easily by children. 

Let them pick their favourite book

Parents should guide their children on the choices of books to read. Let your young ones choose their favourite subject so that they don’t get bored of reading. If you enforce your choice of topics on them they are most likely to get disinterested in reading.

One book at a time

Allow your child to read at a pace he or she is comfortable with. It is best not to set targets or pressurize them to finish several books at a go. If you force them to read fast or many books at a stretch then your child may just skim through the pages without really understanding the context or experiencing the true joy of reading a book.

A good book can be the best portable friend of children during this time. It has the potential to nurture a young mind and widen their sphere of experience without moving an inch. CHILDLINE 1098 has uploaded several e-books and comics on their website for children in English as well as in regional languages. Here are few interesting e-book links for children Bacche, Vayu Aur Corona (Hindi), Chuka Break the Silence

MANAGING THE MENTAL WELL-BEING OF CHILDREN DURING LOCKDOWN

In the wake of the rapidly spreading COVID-19 pandemic, the lockdown period is also increasing and becoming further restrictive. There is no denying of its impact on mental health. As adults, we are more conscious of the given situation and are trying to manage and exude it in the best possible manner. However, in the case of children, the response to such situations is very different.

Like adults, children too are experiencing drastic changes in their daily schedules. Going out, indulging in outdoor activities, playing with friends is vital for a child’s psychosocial development. However, due to the lockdown, children are now confined at home for longer durations. Therefore, being stressful, cranky or irritable is extremely normal in these situations. Following are few ways to lift the spirits of children during the lockdown.

Lending a patient ear

When children feel stressed, they want someone to LISTEN to them. As parents, you should be patient and allow them to express themselves freely. Listen to their queries and answer them honestly. If they are curious about the Coronavirus and the lockdown, focus on the preventive measures and the positives of the lockdown. A good conversation is a great way to elevate stress among children.

Encourage Scribbling

Motivate your children to write and draw what they think and feel about the current situation. Let them sit by the well in your house or in the drawing-room of your apartment and allow them to put their feelings and emotions on the paper. While writing and drawing, children tend to understand themselves better as well as help the parent in understanding and supporting the children during a difficult time. 

Set Routine

Whether you live in a small village or a big city, setting a daily time-table for your children will help them stay focused. You can add plenty of breaks, meal-time, nap-time, TV time and internet time in the timetable. Parents can also prepare a time-table for themselves so that they can schedule their breaks with the children. In this way, parents can also spend quality time with children.

Seek professional help

If you feel that your child needs counselling, there is no harm in going for professional help. Many mental health experts are providing their services online. You can also call on CHILDLINE 1098 for psychosocial support from any part of India. With professional help, you can create a positive environment at home where children can be safe, healthy and develop their full potential.

CYBER SAFETY FOR CHILDREN: GUIDELINES FOR PARENTS

Children are spending a considerable amount of their time online, as schools are closed and no play-time with friends due to health-related concerns of COVID-19. This has become a major cause of concern for parents.

The internet is an ocean of information and entertainment. But every online activity or content is not safe for children. Many people share inappropriate content online that must not be viewed by children. Online predators can coerce gullible children into sharing their personal information or intimate photographs. Therefore, it becomes extremely crucial for every parent to monitor their child’s online activity. Here are some guidelines:

Limit your child’s screen time

It is a known fact that excessive screen time for children is highly detrimental to their overall well-being. Limiting the number of hours children can spend online, activities they can indulge online or what programs they can watch will enable you to keep an eye on your child.

Communication with children about online safety

An open conversation with children about inappropriate content and people online will make them responsible and vigilant. Explain to them, very clearly why they must not share their personal information with strangers online. Talking to your children will help you understand what type of content your child likes to see online. You can also suggest a few apps or websites that are safe for them.

Parental control software

Such softwares are not spying tools. However, they will help you set rules and limits for children and monitor their online activity. The parental control software like Google Family Link will enable you to monitor every device connected to your network and allow you to set device-specific schedules for your children.

Be a part of your child’s online activity

Co-play online games with your children. Sit with them when they are surfing random websites. This will be a great opportunity for you to closely monitor your child’s activities and spend quality time together.

Monitoring online activity has become very important, especially of children in rural areas as they are now educating themselves through online classes at community service centres. CHILDLINE 1098 has created a pool of resources and activities on their website that are safe for children. 

TURN THIS LOCK DOWN TIME INTO FAMILY BONDING TIME

Online conference calls, working lunches, presentations from the living room has become a daily norm for working parents during the lockdown. While parents are constantly juggling between office work and household work, children are struggling to keep themselves engaged in confinement at home. The complete lockdown has drastically changed their schedules, curbed their play-time with their friends and restricted their movements. Parents can create some memorable moments for their children by turning the lockdown time into family bonding time. Engaging with children in activities like,

Cooking together

Look through recipe books and websites with your children and take their opinion to select the right one. Give them age-appropriate tasks like measuring the ingredients, turning off the stove, etc. Keep tasting food together. Cooking together is a great way of bonding and developing a new skill.

Family game-time

Playing board games, cards, solving a puzzle together or setting up a treasure hunt is a perfect way to spend some quality time with children. It will keep your kids occupied for a few hours and help you unwind after a hard day’s work.

Storytelling session

Switching off from the digital world and telling a story or reading a book to your child is one of the best ways to keep your child engaged. It will help in inculcating the habit of reading in your children. You can make the storytelling session fun and entertaining by reading out loud, emoting words, enacting a few scenes from the book etc.

Nurture a hobby

Let your children explore their creative side with drawing, painting, singing together and dancing. You can also engage your child in making creative and useful items out of old newspapers or things that are no longer in use. This is the best way to bring out your child’s hidden talents.

Children tend to miss their friends the most during the lockdown. Therefore, allowing children to video call their friends once in a while will keep them happy and engaged. For more ideas to keep children occupied in lockdown visit, https://www.childlineindia.org/a/covid19. We have links to regional language content as well.

*As a parent, please monitor your child’s online presence and follow cyber safety rules for children.