Demands for safety of children in schools has increased from stakeholders ever since the recent hoax bomb threats received by several private schools in Bengaluru.

Nagasimha G Rao, Director, Child Rights Trust has written a letter to Karnataka’s minister for school education and literacy, Madhu Bangarappa to make child protection policy mandatory in schools.

He said that despite knowing that it is fake news, the anxiety of many parents and children has not decreased ever since the email that a bomb has been planted in schools was sent out.

“This case has not only shown that there is no ‘Child Protection Policy’ in these schools, but it has also shown that many schools do not know how to deal with children and parents in difficult and panic situations. From this episode, we can realize the need for training for teachers and school staff on how to deal with disaster,” he wrote.

It may be recollected that the government issued an order in 2016 to have a child protection policy in schools and gave guidelines to the schools.

“It is a tragedy that schools do not take child protection policy seriously, this fake bomb case instill fear in the minds of children, and they may be afraid to go to school. Parents may not send their children to school because there is no child protection system in school. Although children show self-confidence on the surface, they need counselling. This fake mail case may happen again. Schools must prepare and adopt ‘Child Protection Policy’ in the best interest of children,” he added.

He sought that the government make child protection policy mandatory in every aided, unaided and government school in the state and that all staff must be trained in disaster or crisis management.

Meanwhile, D Shashi Kumar, general secretary, Associated Managements of private Schools in Karnataka had voiced his concerns following the hoax that the threat also had a communal aspect to it.

“Targeting private schools has inculcated a lot of anxiety among children. This must be treated as a violation under the POCSO act. This is not the first-of-its-kind incident. Where are those playing the mischief gathering data about from? Today, the government portals have given easy public access to the contact details of the person concerned for each of the schools on their portal. We urge the education department to ensure data privacy for us,” he added. 

Also read: Bengaluru: Students sent home after several private schools receive bomb threat