Parents, teachers must teach good and bad touch, say experts
Hyderabad: Law enforcement and child welfare experts underlined the critical role of parents, teachers, and the community in protecting children from various forms of harm, both online and offline.
ADGP Shika Goel urged teachers and parents to teach children to pick out the distinction between harmful and harmless encounters. “In the virtual world, children often encounter situations that look harmless at first but can turn dangerous, particularly with online predators. It’s essential that children are made aware of the risks that come with spending time online.”
Goel also discussed the issue of unreported cases of harassment and abuse. Many children who face harassment whether physical, emotional, or online platforms are left unreported. “This is particularly true as the perpetrators belong to his or her circle. Children often fear that they will be blamed or judged and no one will believe them,” she said.
Goel stressed that this silence can have lasting effects on a child’s well-being. “Parents and teachers must be the first line of defence. They need to be able to identify signs of red flags in children, such as behavioural changes like mood swings, aggression, or excessive withdrawal.”
Child Welfare Committee (CWC) chairperson A.M. Raja Reddy stressed the importance of educating children about their rights. “In today’s world, every young child must be aware of their rights to talk and voice out for themselves. Juvenile homes comprise of those vulnerable children and shows the importance of an individual knowing their rights would foster the world to turn into a much better place.”
Rachakonda Cybercrime DCP V. Aravind Babu emphasised the importance of a balanced childhood. “Childhood can only be truly enjoyed when kids are out there mingling, playing, and engaging with their peers and when they fail to engage, they also fall short of communication and interactive skills.”
He warned against excessive screen time and its negative impact on young, impressionable minds. “Technology and smartphones are an integral part of life, but they should only be seen as a part of life, not the entirety of it,” he added, calling for a more balanced approach to technology use.