Ahmedabad schools to educate students on child safety, Pocso Act, ETEducation

Ahmedabad: Schools affiliated with CBSE, ICSE and IB boards in Ahmedabad will organise awareness programmes on the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, 2012, under the nationwide Surakshit Bachpan Abhiyan to educate students about child safety, legal rights and mechanisms to report sexual offences.According to a circular issued to school principals, the District Legal Services Authority (DLSA), Ahmedabad (Rural), will conduct the programmes from October to November 2027. The initiative is guided by the Gujarat State Legal Services Authority and follows a letter issued by the DLSA.The sessions will cover provisions of the POCSO Act, children’s legal rights, prevention of sexual offences and support systems available to victims for reporting offences and seeking assistance.Schools have been directed to extend full cooperation to the DLSA and provide necessary facilities for visiting teams comprising judicial officers, relevant officials, paralegal volunteers, panel advocates and other members.The circular emphasises that sessions must be age-appropriate and conducted with due regard to students’ safety, privacy, dignity and well-being. The campaign aims to strengthen child protection awareness and promote safer school environments.