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.