Haryana launches school campaign to educate students on POCSO, cyber safety

The Haryana State Legal Services Authority (HALSA) has conducted 2,296 awareness programs on the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act across 1,731 schools and educational institutions since May 13.

The campaign, being carried out through District Legal Services Authorities (DLSAs), had reached 3,10,841 students between May 13 and August 15, according to an official statement.

District education officials, school principals, teachers and other stakeholders involved in child welfare are participating in the state-wide initiative.

The sessions cover the POCSO Act, 2012, along with personal safety, responsible behavior and safe use of technology. Students are being educated about social media, cyber safety and the risks of exploitation and abuse.

The program also informs students about how to report incidents and seek assistance if they encounter situations in which they feel unsafe. The sessions are designed according to students' age groups and local circumstances.

HALSA said the campaign aims to increase awareness among children about their rights and the safeguards available to them under the POCSO Act.

Students are also being encouraged to identify potentially unsafe situations, speak with trusted adults and approach the appropriate authorities when required.

Schools and education officials across Haryana are involved in the campaign to extend child safety awareness to students in different districts.

HALSA has stressed that awareness about child protection should be a continuous effort rather than a one-time activity. Regular discussions can help students understand their rights and identify where they can seek assistance.

The campaign has so far taken information on child protection laws, personal safety and cyber risks to more than 3.1 lakh students across Haryana.