At a Balurghat School, a Campaign to Keep Children Safe

Kamal Kumar Biswas.TOD.Balurghat 

A child protection awareness programme was held at Panjul High School on Saturday, focusing on preventing child marriage and trafficking and addressing the risks associated with excessive mobile phone use.

The programme was organized by the South Dinajpur district police administration with support from the South Dinajpur unit of the Criminal Investigation Department (CID). The session began around 1 p.m. on the school premises and brought together students, teachers, police officials and representatives of voluntary organizations.

Inspector of Police Amit Deb of the CID’s Bhawani Bhavan in Kolkata attended as the special guest. Other participants included Hili police station Sub-Inspector Sudip Saha, Panjul High School’s acting headmaster Mainak Banik, Suraj Das, secretary of Ujjiban Society and a child protection worker, and several teachers and representatives of voluntary organizations.

Speakers highlighted the growing role of mobile phones and digital technology in children’s lives. While acknowledging the benefits of technology, they warned that excessive and unsupervised use could affect children’s studies, mental development, social relationships and personal safety. Parents were urged to monitor children’s digital activities and encourage responsible use of mobile devices.

The session also focused on preventing child marriage and trafficking. Students were advised to promptly inform teachers, parents, police or the appropriate authorities if they become aware of a child at risk. They were also cautioned against communicating with strangers online, sharing personal information and using social media without adequate safeguards.

The district police administration screened a documentary on child marriage, illustrating its social and legal consequences and emphasizing the role of the community in preventing it.The programme concluded with students taking a pledge to oppose child marriage and protect the safety and rights of children.Acting headmaster Mainak Banik said protecting children requires coordinated efforts by schools, families, communities, the administration and law-enforcement agencies. He stressed the need for more such awareness programmes in schools to strengthen child protection efforts.