TRAINING SESSION ON POCSO ACT – OCTOBER 3RD AND 4TH, 2024

A training session on the POCSO Act was held for all teachers at Rajhans Vidyalaya on October 3rd and 4th, 2024. The session was conducted by Mrs. Yogeeta Khanna, a counselor and wellness teacher. The session aimed to raise awareness about the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, 2012, focusing on understanding children’s rights, recognizing signs of abuse, and guiding participants on the appropriate actions to take in case of suspected or confirmed abuse.The following points were discussed :-1. Introduction to POCSO Act, 2012:• Overview of the Act and its significance in safeguarding children below 18 years from sexual offences.• Explanation of the types of sexual offences covered under the Act, including sexual harassment, assault, and pornography.• Legal consequences of violating the POCSO Act, with emphasis on the strict measures in place to protect children and punish offenders.2. Types of Abuse:• A detailed discussion on different forms of abuse (physical, verbal, emotional, and sexual).• How to differentiate between appropriate and inappropriate behaviour.• The role of adults in recognizing the signs of abuse and creating a safe space for children to share their concerns.3. Recognizing the Signs of Abuse:• Behavioural and physical indicators of abuse, including sudden mood changes, fear of certain people, unexplained injuries, and withdrawal from usual activities.• The importance of listening to children, observing changes, and building trust with them.4. Role of Parents, Teachers, and Caregivers:• How adults can proactively create a safe environment for children by openly discussing boundaries, consent, and their right to say “no” in uncomfortable situations.• The importance of teaching children about their bodies and personal space in an age-appropriate manner.• Encouraging children to report any uncomfortable or inappropriate interactions without fear.5. Mandatory Reporting Under POCSO:• Explanation of the mandatory reporting clause, which requires any person, including teachers to report suspicions of abuse to the authorities.• Consequences of failing to report a suspected case of abuse, as well as the responsibility of schools and institutions in protecting children.6. Procedure for Reporting:• Step-by-step guidance on how to report a case under the POCSO Act, including contact details of child protection services, helplines 112 , 1098 number and law enforcement agencies.• Discussion on the confidentiality of reporting and the protection of the child’sidentity during the legal process.7. Psychological Impact of Abuse:• Insight into the long-term psychological effects of abuse on children, includingtrauma, anxiety, depression, and trust issues.• The role of counselling in helping abused children heal and recover.• Importance of seeking professional help for both the child8. Interactive Session:• The session included a Q&A where participants raised their concerns about specific scenarios and reporting procedures. Participants left the training with a clearer understanding of the POCSO Act and how to implement its provisions in their daily lives to protect children. Many teachers expressed their appreciation for the session, indicating that they felt more confident in identifying and addressing potential signs of abuse. This increased awareness and readiness to act reflect the training's positive impact on fostering a safer environment for students at Rajhans Vidyalaya.