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

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. 

Participate in the CHILDLINE Challenge 2011-12!

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CHILDLINE challenge is an opportunity for school children not only to showcase talent as young writers and artists but also demonstrate knowledge and sensitivity towards the issue of child labour. Last date for submission is January 31, 2012.