In response to rising concerns about child abuse, particularly within domestic settings, the Kerala government has introduced a proactive measure in the form of "help boxes" in schools across the state. This initiative, announced on Saturday by General Education Minister V. Sivankutty, aims to provide a safe and confidential channel for students to report instances of abuse or distress they may be experiencing at home. The move follows a disturbing incident involving a Class 4 student who was allegedly abused by her stepmother and father, highlighting the urgent need for such interventions.
The "help box" program is a key component of the broader "Suraksha Mitram" ( সুরക്ഷা মിത്രম) action plan, designed to detect and prevent violence against children. Under this program, every school will have a designated box where students can submit written complaints or share their experiences anonymously. The headmaster or headmistress will be responsible for opening the box weekly, reviewing the contents, and forwarding relevant information to the Education Department for further action. To ensure confidentiality, children are not required to write their names on the complaints. Serious complaints are to be immediately reported to the government.
Recognizing that teachers play a crucial role in identifying and supporting vulnerable children, the "Suraksha Mitram" program also includes specialized training for educators. This training will equip teachers with the skills to observe changes in students' behavior and academic performance that may indicate distress or abuse. Emphasis will be placed on fostering friendly interactions and creating a supportive environment where children feel comfortable confiding in their teachers. The government will train teachers as primary counselors. Initiatives such as diary writing and "zero-hour" discussions will be encouraged to provide additional avenues for students to express themselves and seek help.
The implementation of "Suraksha Mitram" will involve collaboration across multiple state departments, including Women and Child Development, Social Justice, Local Self-Government, Health, and Police. This coordinated approach aims to ensure that affected children have access to comprehensive support services, including medical care, counseling, and rehabilitation. Existing mechanisms, such as the Child Welfare Committee and the 1098 helpline, will also be strengthened to provide additional support. Parenting clinics will be activated at the block level to offer counseling to parents.
The Centre for Child Development under the Health Department will manage the teacher training, which will be rolled out in three phases, starting with teachers of Classes 8 to 12, followed by primary and upper primary teachers. State-level master training will be given to 200 teachers in a three-day residential program, including sessions on stress management and mindfulness.
In addition to the "help box" initiative and teacher training, the Kerala government plans to conduct surveys in schools, with the help of student volunteer groups, to identify children who may be suffering in silence. The government is also committed to taking strict action against perpetrators of child abuse, with police immediately registering cases and invoking the Juvenile Justice Act and POCSO Act. Responsible parenting initiatives will be implemented to educate parents that child abuse is illegal. The government has called for cooperation from all stakeholders to make schools secure spaces for children.
