Teacher workshop on the POCSO Act

Every third crime against children relates to sexual offences - National Crime Records Bureau

To strengthen teachers with basic legal knowledge of the sections and laws of The Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act (POSCO), a workshop was conducted for the teachers of The Indian School- Second Shift on 9th March 2023 from 12 noon to 1 pm in the School auditorium. It was conducted,  by counsellor, Ms Meghna.

The session started with  a detailed description of the POCSO Act, its need and its importance. Ms Meghna explained the immediate measures that a teacher is expected to take when an offence is reported by a child. She also discussed the established procedure mentioned in the act, for filing a complaint  against the perpetrator. She spoke in detail about the prevalence of child abuse in our society and emphasised on the significance of identifying symptoms that might cause behavioural changes in students. Further, she encouraged the teachers to be empathetic towards such a complainant and reach out by setting societal notions aside.

Ms Meghna accentuated the significance of embracing an age -appropriate and outcome- based curriculum on sex education for children. She  offered suggestions for anideal curriculum in the context of child safety. According to her, the curriculum should be comprehensive, research-based and a prevention- education programme that educates and empowers children with information and strategies to prevent, recognise, and respond appropriately to bullying and all types of abuse.

Principal, Ms Tania Joshi mentored the teachers to be watchful of signs and traits in children.

The workshop was very beneficial for all the teachers to be effective protectors and figures of trust in the eyes of their students.