KDLSA launches child safety campaign

Kohima, Oct 28 (NPN): Kohima District Legal Services Authority (KDLSA), under the aegis of the National Legal Services Authority (NALSA), launched the Pan-India School Awareness Campaign on the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, 2012, under the Surakshit Bachpan Abhiyan at Dr. Neilhouzhü Government Higher Secondary School, Seikhazou, Kohima, on October 26.
The campaign, scheduled from October 26 to 31, aims to sensitise students on the POCSO Act, prohibition of child marriage, and mechanisms for reporting abuse and seeking assistance. Addressing the programme, resource speaker and KDLSA chairperson, Mezivolu T. Therieh, Principal District and Sessions Judge, spoke on child safety and urged students to remain vigilant without living in fear. She explained that the POCSO Act protects all children below 18 years from sexual offences and also highlighted legal provisions relating to the prohibition of child marriage. Students were sensitised on recognising inappropriate behaviour, maintaining personal boundaries, and respecting their own bodies as well as those of others. Therieh encouraged students to speak up and report incidents of abuse or exploitation to trusted adults without fear or hesitation.
Emphasising online safety, she advised students not to succumb to threats involving private photographs or videos and to immediately report such incidents. She also urged responsible use of digital platforms and cautioned against sharing or circulating sexually explicit images involving children.
Addressing teachers, Therieh stressed the importance of responding supportively when children disclose abuse and urged educators to help them reach trusted adults and appropriate authorities instead of blaming them.
Students were also informed about Child Helpline 1098, which provides assistance to children facing abuse, neglect, exploitation and other situations requiring care and protection. They were encouraged to seek help through the helpline, trusted adults or relevant authorities whenever required.
Highlighting the Prohibition of Child Marriage Act, 2006, Therieh explained that the legislation seeks to prevent child marriage and protect children from its adverse social, educational, physical and psychological consequences. She reminded students that the legal minimum age for marriage is 18 years for girls and 21 years for boys.
A quiz competition based on the topics covered during the programme was also conducted, with students actively participating and demonstrating their understanding of child protection, personal safety and available support mechanisms. Earlier, the programme began with the Lord’s Prayer and was chaired by graduate teacher Alokali K. Yeptho, who also delivered the welcome address. Kekhriengunuo Catherine, advocate and panel lawyer, KDLSA, introduced the Surakshit Bachpan Abhiyan and highlighted its theme, “Every Child’s Childhood is Our Collective Responsibility.”
The concluding remarks were delivered by Berta Tep, advocate and panel lawyer, KDLSA. Around 300 students and teaching staff attended the programme.