Child safety awareness program was organized in Darbhanga under the Safe Childhood Campaign to increase awareness about the safety and rights of children. The program focused on educating children about their legal rights, child protection provisions and measures to prevent various forms of exploitation.
During the programme, children were taught to differentiate between good touch and bad touch to help them identify safe and unsafe behaviour. They were advised to report any inappropriate behavior or situation that makes them uncomfortable to their parents, teachers or any other trusted adult without fear.
The children were told that their safety and respect are of utmost importance. They were told that no one has the right to touch them inappropriately, intimidate or threaten them or force them to do anything against their will.
The program explained that good touch refers to physical contact that makes children feel safe and comfortable, while bad touch refers to contact that may cause fear, discomfort or distress. Children were also made aware that inappropriate behavior is unacceptable, even if it comes from someone they know. So they were advised to be vigilant about their own safety in all circumstances, rather than just being cautious around strangers.
The children were also told that they would not be held responsible if any inappropriate incident happens to them. Instead of keeping quiet, they should share such experiences immediately with someone they trust.
The program encouraged children to speak openly about their concerns and not be afraid of any pressure or threats. They were told that reporting an incident immediately could help ensure their safety and facilitate action against the person responsible for inappropriate behavior.
The awareness program also covered the legal rights of children and laws related to child protection. Children were told that the Constitution and various laws provide them with the right to education, security, dignity and protection from exploitation.
They were also made aware of the legal provisions dealing with issues such as child labour, child marriage, violence, abuse and sexual exploitation. The program stressed the importance of understanding their rights and seeking help when faced with difficulties.
The objective of the program is to make not only the children but also the people around them more responsible towards child safety. It highlighted that protecting children is not the responsibility of families alone, as schools, society and administration also have an important role to play.
Teachers and parents were encouraged to pay attention to signs such as sudden changes in children’s behavior, fear or distress. The program also stressed the need to create an environment in which children can share their problems without any hesitation.
Under the Safe Childhood Campaign, such awareness programs can help children become more aware of their rights and identify potential risks. Through the initiative, children were encouraged to be conscious of their safety, speak out against inappropriate behavior and seek assistance from trusted individuals whenever necessary.