Child safety: Schools up security measures

Bengaluru: After the brutal murder of seven-year-old Pradyuman at Ryan International School in Gurgaon, schools and managements in the city have started beefing up safety and security measures on their campuses. Some schools are focussing on creating awareness among students, while others are holding training sessions for non teaching staff. 

Ms Renu Singh, principal, Air Force School (AFS), Hebbal, believes that schools need to focus on detailed precautionary measures to avoid such incidents. “Our school counsellor has been taking awareness sessions for children right from lower kindergarten to identify safe and unsafe touches. No parent or other visitors are allowed in the campus during working hours without producing a parent ID or getting a visitors’ pass from the security personnel,” she said. 

A duty teacher along with the PT instructor is instructed to be on alert and to take special inspection rounds around the campus. Air Force Security personnel also go on regular rounds around the campus. CCTV footage too is reviewed constantly, she said.

Ms Manila Carvalho, Principal, Delhi Public School (East), said that a notice focussing on various issues to be observed by the parents was sent out. 

“We have asked parents to reach out to special class coordinators from the teaching staff via mail rather than waiting for a PTA meeting. If a parent comes to take the child home in between class hours, we verify it by contacting the other parent before allowing him/her to take the ward from school,” she said. CCTV footage is reviewed and cameras are checked every day, she added. 

At Ryan International School, Kundalahalli, the management has decided to constitute a safety audit committee to review and add to security facilities. “The present safety measures will be intact. We are working to enhance security features,” said Principal Vidya Guruprasad. 

At AFS Hebbal, drivers and helpers of any private vehicle are not allowed inside the main gate. At DPS (East), the bus staff is provided with a parallel entry into the campus where separate restrooms and other facilities are provided. “Any visitor entering the campus has to provide all details and information at the gate security. The final nod is given as per my discretion,” said Ms Singh. 

“CCTV cameras are installed in all school buses along with a GPS which keeps parents informed about their wards’ whereabouts,” said Ms Carvalho. Police verification is mandatory before appointing any new staff, she said. “Monthly meetings are held with drivers and ayahs to address their issues,” said the Principal of DPS (East). 

She said that schools are in constant contact with parents and don’t encourage them to visit the campus during class hours. Separate timings are arranged for such visits, including Saturdays, and specified timings are conveyed to the parents. 

“Parents visiting the school for various events are asked to follow decorum even in the way they dress. A slip, which is issued to the parents has to be carried while they are at campus,” said Ms Carvalho. At the managerial level, awareness sessions on POCSO Act and child abuse were organised last week for all Air Force Schools under the Training Command. 

Following the incident at Gurgaon, the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) had sought reports from its affiliated schools about safety and security measures provided at the campuses.