NATIONAL GIRL CHILD DAY

 

In the year 2008, the Ministry of Women and Child Development observed the first National Girl Child Day on 24^th January with an aim to highlight inequalities and gender discrimination issues faced by a girl child at various milestones in her life. Through this initiative, the Ministry endeavours to spread awareness about the rights of girl children, including the right to education, nutrition and health.

 The theme of the National Girl Child Day 2021 is to raise awareness about the issue of declining Child Sex Ratio (CSR). Across the country, several events were organised to commemorate this day. The  government also put emphasis on Beti Bachao Beti Badhao Scheme and several other schemes focusing on girl child empowerment on the national girl child day.

CHILDLINE 1098, India’s one and only emergency, 24-hour, toll-free helpline for children in distress has left no stone unturned to celebrate this day. Despite the pandemic, all the CHILDLINE partners across the country organised several events with all the COVID-19 protective and social distancing measures.

CHILDLINE plays an important role in the district level task force constituted for Beti Bachao Beti Badhao Scheme to advocate and create awareness among the community people. The teams represent at the district level during the meetings organised for Beti Bachao Beti Badhao scheme.

On the occasion of the girl child day, CHILDLINE Faridabad, Haryana organised an event and a meeting for children in Mirzapur slums. The children danced, created artworks including rangoli to celebrate the occasion. The CHILDLINE team motivated the children and distributed several prizes among them. In Jammu and Kashmir, CHILDLINE Anantnag organised a mass awareness event on the occasion where at least 45 girls along with the ICDS (Integrated Child Development Scheme) workers, local village committee members participated. The CHILDLINE team spread awareness about the services of CHILDLINE 1098 and the importance of a girl child and issues faced by them. CHILDLINE Bundi, Rajasthan celebrated national girl child day with children from shelter homes and slum areas and conducted a meeting with police officers on child rights and child issues.

Across 25 districts of Telangana, CHILDLINE celebrated national girl child’s day on 24^th, 25^th and 26^th January 2021 through different activities and events. A total of 351 officials and stakeholders from allied departments including ICDS and Panchayat Raj along with 1326 children and 602 adults participated. CHILDLINE Tirupati, Andhra Pradesh organised a National Girl Child Day programme at a shelter home in a village. Through this programme, the team discussed the CHILDLINE 1098 services, the importance of girl child education and the disadvantages of child marriage.

In Maharashtra, CHILDLINE Dhule celebrated the national girl child day in a special abled girl’s shelter home. The chief guests of the programme guided the girls about the objectives and the importance of the girl’s rights and education. In Kolhapur, CHILDLINE celebrated the girl child day in Ingavale Mala, Kuchkovari with 36 children.

In West Bengal, almost all the districts celebrated the national girl child day with great pomp and splendour. CHILDLINE Alipurduar distributed winter clothes among the children. An open house programme was organised by CHILDLINE Darjeeling at a school in Kurseong. Railway CHILDLINE Asansol also conducted an open house programme with the nearby local children. In the CHILDLINE advisory board meeting of 2020-21 in Bishnupur, West Bengal, Beti Bacchao Beti Padhao campaign was flagged off, link- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jXc0SAPcl4k

 

IMPORTANCE OF FAMILY IN A CHILD'S LIFE

 

From the moment when children are born, they are dependent on their parents for every need. Parents play a pivotal role in giving every child an essential social unit, a family. Children learn to utter their first words, develop their language, their values i.e. sanskaars and skills from their family. Hence, it would not be entirely incorrect to say that the family is the first school of any child.

According to UNICEF, every child has the right to grow in a family environment that promotes holistic growth and development. However, worldwide over 2.7 children are raised in institutional care. Children who grow up in an institution are at the risk of physical, social and emotional harm with consequences that can last a lifetime. In institutions, there are very few caretakers or providers for a large number of children. Institutions often fail to provide an environment where a child feels emotionally secure and loved. Such children are more likely to become victims of abuse and violence.

Research suggests that children who do not experience direct parental care during their growing years mature at a slower rate and are more likely to have a poor intellectual quotient. Thus, children succeed where they experience positive growth and complete development.

According to experts, it is important to interact with children and spend quality time with them. It is through such qualitative interactions children can adopt essential values from their parents and learn from their experiences. Parents too can learn about various strengths and weaknesses their children possess and enable them with sufficient support and guidance making them confident and resilient.

Organisations like CHILDLINE 1098, India’s only 24-hour, emergency, toll-free helpline for children in distress play a great role in reinforcing the importance of a family in a child’s life. Over the years, they have rescued and protected thousands of missing, runaway children, victims of child abuse, child marriage, child labour, trafficking and beggary and restored them with their families. During the pandemic, CHILDLINE restored 4735 children with their families.

Lastly, Aristotle, the legendary Greek philosopher said, “Man is by nature a social animal; an individual who is unsocial naturally and not accidentally is either beneath our notice or more than human. Society is something that precedes the individual”. An individual cannot break the bonds of mutual dependence in the family or society. This probably develops in the womb with the mother and continues till the last breath.

CHILDLINE RESCUES A CHILD BEGGAR FROM THE STREETS

A local news channel telecasted a story of a 10-year-old girl Nayna (name changed to protect identity) from the location where she was begging. Upon receiving the news, CHILDLINE Guwahati, Assam contacted the reporter of the news channel for more details.  Next day, along with the reporter and Dispur Traffic Police Outpost officials went to the house of the girl for further enquiry.

Nayna was the student of 5^th Standard. Her mother worked as a domestic help in different households to meet their daily expenses.  However, the mother met with an accident and fractured her hand. Hence, she was unable to go to work. The lockdown had further worsened their situation as there was insufficient food at home. Therefore, the child started begging on the streets.

The officials from the Dispur Traffic out Post provided emergency relief to the family. CHILDLINE team ensured that her case will be looked into and she and her mother will be assisted with all the possible facilities. Meanwhile, CHILDLINE is trying to link Nayna with the sponsorship scheme under the Integrated Child Protection Scheme (ICPS).

Child begging is the worst violation of child rights and absolutely against a child’s dignity. Therefore, all the state and civil authorities as well as the civil society to unite and end this menace forever.

If you come across any child begging on the streets, please do not hesitate to call CHILDLINE 1098 and report a case. 

VICTIMS OF CHILD LABOUR RESCUED AND REHABILITATED

 

CHILDLINE Faridabad, Haryana received information about children who were working as child labourers at a chicken and egg shop. However, on reaching the location, the team did not find any children. Upon following up with the caller, the team learnt that the children came to work only in the night. The caller also shared photographic evidence. When CHILDLINE visited again, the team found three children aged 14 to 17 years working at the shop.

During the counselling session, CHILDLINE learnt that the children were school dropouts. An FIR was registered against their employer under the JJ Act and then they were presented before the CWC (Child Welfare Committee). The CWC ordered that they undergo a medical test and be given temporary shelter at Karm Marg. The next day, the children were handed over to their parents, who were also counselled.

Children engaged in child labour are deprived of dignity and childhood. Such children are unable to go to school often remain illiterate for the rest of their lives. Child labour is harmful to their overall development and mental health.

Therefore, if you come across a child engaged in child labour please do not hesitate to call CHILDLINE 1098.

CHILDLINE JOINS A COVERT OPERATION TO RESCUE A 14-YEAR OLD FROM THE TRAFFICKERS

 

Thane CHILDLINE, Maharashtra received a call from Mission Mukti for assistance to rescue a 14 year-old girl confined at a warehouse in Thane district. CHILDLINE shared all the documents received from Mission Mukti with CWC (Child Welfare Committee), DCPU (District Child Protection Unit) and Sr. Police Inspector of the local police station.  The same evening, NCPCR (National Commission for Protection of Child Rights) contacted CHILDLINE and confirmed the case of trafficking and sought assistance in the joint rescue operation conducted by the NCPCR and Mission Mukti. The NCPCR also shared the case details with CWC and DWCD (Department of Women and Child Development).  CHILDLINE was requested to coordinate with the CWC. 

The joint team of CHILDLINE, Mission Mukti and DCPO met the Sr. police Inspector at the police station to draw up a rescue plan. One senior officer and three Women Police Constables were assigned to join the rescue operation team. The team split into two groups and approached the location of the girl. After combing the area, the girl was found near the gate and taken into custody. The trafficker’s father who was also taken into custody summoned his son on to come to the Labour Camp on the phone. All of them were taken to the police station. 

The girl's statement was recorded at the police station. She revealed that the trafficker had brought her from West Bengal and married her. The CWC was informed about the girl’s rescue over the phone and as per their directions, she was admitted to the Amche Ghar, Shelter Home for girls. Then, the girl was presented before the CWC and is presently staying at the Shelter Home. The accused has been handed over to the West Bengal Police for further action.  The case is still going on.   

Child trafficking is one of the worst forms of modern-day slavery and child abuse. Each year, thousands of children are tricked, persuaded or forced to leave their homes and put their lives at risk in the worst and unimaginable ways. The victims are kept in inhuman conditions and forced into heinous and criminal activities.   

As a society, we need to come together to end this menace and safeguard the future of our children. Please call CHILDLINE 1098, if you come across a case of child trafficking.

CHILDLINE AND CYBER POLICE WORK TOGETHER ON OPERATION P-HUNT

 

A 26-year-old man was caught by the Cyber Police as part of Operation P-Hunt, a covert operation to nab people involved in child pornography. Many photos of children were recovered from his phone, and it also came to light that he was sexually abusing his niece, a young girl of 9 years. The police approached CHILDLINE Trivandrum, Kerala and requested support in counselling the child, as she was scared to talk to the police.

Upon counselling the child, CHILDLINE learnt that her uncle used to harass her when her mother and sister were not at home. He would also accompany her on the pretext of visiting the dentist and abuse her. He also went on to blackmail the child, stating that he would get caught by the police if she revealed what was happening. CHILDLINE also provided emotional support and guidance to the child and prepared her for the case proceedings.

The police also expressed their gratitude to the CHILDLINE team for their child-friendly approach and professionalism. Child pornography is one of the major detrimental side-effects of the development of digital technology. It has become a serious problem worldwide. Kerala police launched a covert surveillance operation P-hunt to curb this menace. Under this initiative, the police have arrested people involved in sharing and posting of child pornography.

Currently, Kerala police are monitoring the digital viewing and sharing of pornographic material round the clock and have reported an alarming rise of this heinous activity.

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.

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

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.

A CALL CAN CHANGE A LIFE

As a part of the field action project, Ms Jeroo Billimoria, a then professor at Tata Institute of Social Sciences (TISS) would regularly interact with children living on railway stations and night shelters. Slowly, the children started calling her at any given time of day and night, when faced with crises. She would willingly answer their calls and help them.

Over some time, she realized that it would not be possible to respond to hundreds of children each day. After much deliberations and discussions, the idea of CHILDLINE 1098 was born - a single point of contact who would help children in their hour of need and afterwards. In the inception year itself, CHILDLINE clocked in 6000 calls.

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Today, CHILDLINE receives nearly 25000 calls daily about children in need of care and protection. In the year 2018-2019 CHILDLINE received around 9 million calls.

Role of CHILDLINE in protecting children

v  When a child or a concerned adult call CHILDLINE 1098, the call is immediately routed to one of the six CHILDLINE Contact Centre (CCC) – a state-of-art facility with contemporary BPO facility.

v   If the CHILDLINE Contact Officer (CCO) receives a call for intervention, then the case is transferred to the relevant intervention unit.

v  A CHILDLINE worker from the intervention unit rushes to the aid of the child within 60 minutes of receiving the call.

v  As per the standard operating protocol, the child is produced before CHILD Welfare Committee (CWC).

v  Based on the CWC’s directions, the child is referred to the appropriate organization for care and rehabilitation.

v  CHILDLINE follows up until the child is in safe custody, either with the family or child welfare institution.

CHILDLINE intervenes to prevent a wide range of issues affecting children such as child labour, child marriage, child sexual abuse & violence, missing children, runaway children, homelessness, health and education, children in conflict with the law etc.

Currently, CHILDLINE services are present in 564+ districts and 125+ railway stations to ensure that timely help is provided to every child in distress.

CHILDLINE works in association with multiple stakeholders, including the government, civil society organizations, corporates and community to ensure that child protection becomes everyone’s mandate.

WHEN CHILDHOOD BECOMES A TIGHT ROPE WALK....

Funambulism or walking on a tight rope or wire is a common circus activity in many countries. The Funambulists train for years to balance themselves on a tight rope. In most countries, skilled adult artists perform in a circus equipped with adequate safety measures.

But in India, children as young as 5 years old are trained to walk on a tight rope tied on poles roadside often without sufficient safety measures.

In 2011, the Supreme Court banned circus activities like performing high wire stunts and juggling for children under the age of 14.  The Supreme Court also directed the Government to rescue children engaged in such activities and rehabilitate them. Despite the ban, children are engaged in such activities.

CHILDLINE received a call from a concerned adult on 1098 informing about a 5-year-old girl walking on the rope and performing dangerous stunts near the railway crossing, Mukthiyar Ganj, Satna, Madhya Pradesh.  The girl’s family was begging for money from people who gathered to see the activity.

On the basis of the information given by the caller, the local intervention unit rushed to the spot. The CHILDLINE team found that the entire family was engaged in rope circus activity. They informed the Child Welfare Committee and the District Child Protection Officer (DCPO) who ordered the CHILDLINE team to rescue the child as soon as possible. 

CHILDLINE brought the child and her family to the CHILDLINE office. During the counselling, the child revealed that she has been doing such stunts since last one year. The team produced the child and her family before the Child Welfare Committee (CWC).

The CWC members counselled the family. The chairperson of the CWC warned the family members of legal consequences if the child is found again working and performing dangerous stunts. The family assured CWC that they will take care of the child and enroll her in the school. The local police made arrangements for the child and her family to travel to their native place, Bilaspur, Chhattisgarh.

After a couple of months, CHILDLINE visited the child’s native place. But the child was not there. CHILDLINE does not have any idea about the whereabouts of the child or her family. The team sincerely hopes that the child is in a school and is not working or performing dangerous stunts.

If you come across any child being forced to work or perform any dangerous circus activity, please do not turn a blind eye. Immediately, call 1098 and report the matter.

Disclaimer:  Names and details have been changed to maintain confidentiality as required. 

CORPORAL PUNISHMENT: A CRIME THAT CAN SCAR A CHILDHOOD FOREVER

In our Indian culture, a teacher or a “guru” holds a highly revered position. Teachers play a very important role in raising responsible children. They can transform the lives of their students with the magic of their teaching. A teacher can be regarded as the builder of a good nation.

But what happens when a teacher whom students look up to engages in unfair and harsh means of discipline while teaching? There are a large number of teachers in India who resort to corporal punishment to discipline their students.

The committee on the Rights of Child in the General Comment No.8 defines ‘corporal” or “physical” punishment as “any punishment in which physical force is used and intended to cause some degree of pain and discomfort. The non-physical forms of corporal punishment include belittling and humiliating the child, especially in front of the class.”

Corporal punishment is rampant in our country. Most children do not complain and tend to suffer silently. Students who have been abused by their teachers are most likely to drop out of schools. Prolonged abuse fragments their confidence and scars their lives forever.

In the case of Radha, 16, who faced severe abuse by teachers, has not only affected her mental health but has also injured her hand severely. Radha, resident of Kolkata was studying in Saraswati Devi International Boarding School in Bankura, West Bengal. Her parents are separated. She and her father do not have any contact with the mother after her remarriage.

One day, Radha’s father called CHILDLINE 1098 and informed that she was beaten up by her school teacher, school warden and the son of the school chairman. She was beaten up so badly that her right hand got fractured. She needed immediate medical help, but the school authorities did not help her at all. Her father arrived and took her to the Bankura Sadar Hospital for treatment.

CHILDLINE filed an FIR on the same day at the Bankura Sadar Police Station. The case has also been registered with the Human Rights Commission and they are counselling the child. The accused are currently out on bail. Radha is extremely scarred and worried whether she will be able to appear for her upcoming board exams. Currently, she is living with her father in Kolkata. She will be going to school only to appear for her board exams.

There are many children like Radha who are suffering in isolation. Their self-esteem is being destroyed every day and they don’t know whom or how to ask for help. You can help such children get justice. All you have to do is pay attention to the signs, listen to what children have to say, then pick up the phone and dial 1098….

Disclaimer:  Names and details have been changed to maintain confidentiality as required. 

A FRIEND IN NEED IS A FRIEND INDEED

Child marriage is a social evil that continues to plague our society even today. The children who get married at an early age, especially the girls, feel isolated and helpless with limited freedom. It is a widespread human rights violation that robs their childhood forever.

 In India, child marriage is a complex problem. It is deeply rooted in patriarchy. Child brides are stuck in the vicious circle of poverty due to lack of education and earning opportunities. Their health suffers because of underage and complicated pregnancies.  The consequences of child marriage are drastic and not only limit the progress of children but also of the overall society

Even though strict laws are criminalizing the practice of child marriage, we have not had much success to curb this problem. CHILDLINE 1098 is leaving no stone unturned to help eradicate child marriage. It is India’s only 24-hour free emergency phone outreach service for children in need of care and protection.

With the help CHILDLINE 1098, Raji, 16, convinced her parents to stop her marriage. Raji hailed from Chittoor, Andhra Pradesh. She had just completed her SSLC and her parents did not allow her to study any further. She often expressed her desire to study further to her friend Rathi who listened to her woes but was helpless.  Raji’s parents were planning her wedding. She vehemently opposed her marriage but her parents continued with the arrangements. Raji shared her grief with her friend Rathi who informed CHILDLINE 1098. Rathi had learnt about CHILDLINE during an awareness session in her school.

 CHILDLINE along with the local police and an Anganwadi worker immediately rushed to the rescue of the child. They gave ESG (Emotional Support and Guidance) to the child and counselled the parents. The CHILDLINE team explained the consequences of child marriage and laws against child marriage to the parents.  Eventually, Raji’s parents gave in and called off her wedding. They also gave a written statement that they will not organize her wedding until she is 18 years of age.

Thus, a friend in need is a friend indeed. If Raji’s friend Rathi had not informed CHILDLINE, Raji would have been stuck in a vicious circle of child marriage. You too can be a responsible friend like Rathi and help stop child marriage. All you have to do call 1098 for an immediate intervention to protect childhood.

Disclaimer:  Names and details have been changed to maintain confidentiality as required. 

Kid Glove 2019: An initiative to protect children from cybercrimes

Technology is all-pervasive across age groups today. Given the many dangers that lurk online, children are especially vulnerable to becoming victims of cybercrime. In an effort to create awareness on cybersecurity and sensitise children, parents and teachers, the Kerala Police Cyberdome organised “Kid Glove 2019” in association with CHILDLINE, Bodhini and Allianz Technology. Launched in 2015, Kid Glove is an initiative by Cyberdome, the technological research and development centre of the Kerala State Police, to create awareness and build capacity to counter and tackle the threats of cyberspace.

Dignitaries at the event. Pic: Cyberdome

The event was held at Nirmala Bhavan School, Trivandrum on October 11th 2019, and saw enthusiastic participation from over 450 students from across 35 schools. It was inaugurated by Loknath Behara IPS - DGP, State Police Chief, in the presence of Manoj Abraham IPS  - ADGP HQ, Nodal Officer Cyberdome, Jeevan Babu K IAS - Director of General Education, Dr.Achuth Sankar S Nair - HOD Dept of Computational Biology and Bioinformatics, Kerala University, Dr. Sr. Mercy Kunnathulurayidam - Principal Nirmala Bhavan and Raji Gouda - Allianz Technology.

Kid Glove 2019 sought to equip students with the knowledge to traverse the World Wide Web effectively while ensuring that they were taking the necessary steps to safeguard themselves. The event included an exhibition, and workshops and awareness sessions on themes such as protecting online privacy, responding to online bullies, basic cybersecurity measures that could be taken and more. A life-size version of Snakes and Ladders took the children through the dos and don'ts of using the web; the longest snake on the board, for instance, denoted the risk they were taking when they posted pictures online.

As part of the awareness sessions, the CHILDLINE team organised a talk on the topic, “Atrocities against Children and CHILDLINE’s Role in Helping Victims”, which was attended by 300 students.

A CHILDLINE counsellor talks to the children about sexual abuse. Pic: Cyberdome

A kiosk which had posters with information on the 1098 services was set up in the exhibition area. Awareness videos were also streamed from the kiosk for the entire duration of the programme. Every child who visited was also handed a brochure with details on how, when and why they could call CHILDLINE.

Children at the CHILDLINE kiosk. Pic: CHILDLINE Trivandrum

To showcase what happened a 1098 call was made, children could also call the helpline from a phone that was installed at the kiosk. 

Children dial the 1098 helpline. Pic: CHILDLINE Trivandrum

Considering the dependence on technology in today’s world, it is very critical to equip children with the knowledge they need to protect themselves from the various transgressions they can encounter. An initiative like Kid Glove can go a long way in informing children and building their capacity in effectively mitigating and countering threats or risks they could face online.