A school is truly safe only when every child feels protected, heard and respected. Classrooms, books and examinations are important, but they are not enough. The Legal Literacy and Sensitisation Programme organised by Delhi Public School Jammu in collaboration with the District Legal Services Authority, Jammu, sends a timely message that child protection must become a living part of school culture, not a formality remembered only during special programmes.
Held under the Legal Literacy Initiative of Kunwarani Dr. Ritu Singh, Founder and Pro-Vice Chairperson of DPS Jammu, Katra and Nagbani, the programme focused on the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, 2015. Its purpose was clear and important: to make educators more aware of child rights, legal safeguards and their own responsibility in protecting children from neglect, abuse, fear and vulnerability. Teachers are not only responsible for teaching lessons from books. They also observe children closely every day. They notice silence, fear, sudden anger, withdrawal, poor concentration, unexplained marks, emotional breakdowns and changes in behaviour. Sometimes these signs are dismissed as indiscipline or poor performance. But many times, they may point towards a deeper problem. A sensitive and informed teacher can become the first line of protection for a child in distress. The participation of legal experts gave the programme practical importance. Ms. Maleeka Sharma, Civil Judge and Secretary, DLSA Jammu; Advocate Uma Kapahi, Panel Lawyer, DLSA Jammu; and Dr. Ifra Nasir, Advocate and child protection expert, explained the legal and human dimensions of child protection. Their guidance reminded educators that the law is not distant from school life. It enters the classroom whenever a child’s safety, dignity or future is at risk. The message that financial or social weakness should never become a barrier to justice is especially important. Children from vulnerable families often face difficulties that remain invisible. Some may not know where to seek help. Some may be afraid to speak. Some may not even understand that what they are facing is wrong. In such situations, schools and teachers carry a special responsibility. They must create an atmosphere where children feel safe enough to express themselves. The Juvenile Justice system is based on care, protection, rehabilitation and reintegration. This is a mature and humane approach. A child in conflict with law or a child in need of care and protection must not be judged harshly without understanding the background. Poverty, neglect, trauma, family conflict, peer pressure and social exposure can shape a child’s behaviour. The duty of adults is not to label the child, but to guide, protect and correct with sensitivity. The suggestion to appoint a Child Protection Nodal Teacher deserves serious implementation. Every school should have a trained person to maintain records, receive concerns, guide teachers, coordinate with authorities and ensure timely intervention. Child protection cannot depend on chance or individual goodwill. It needs a clear system, written procedures and regular follow-up. Confidentiality, counselling, reporting and referral mechanisms must be part of every educational institution. Principal Ms. Ruchi Chabra rightly said that child protection is both a statutory and moral responsibility. This point must be understood deeply. Discipline has its place, but discipline without understanding can harm a child who is already struggling. Vice Principal Ms. Meenu Gupta’s emphasis on legal awareness among educators also reflects the need for teachers to know not only what to teach, but also how to respond when a child needs help. Such programmes should not remain one-time events. Jammu and Kashmir needs a wider movement of legal literacy in schools. Teachers must be trained regularly on Juvenile Justice, POCSO, bullying, cyber safety, mental health, reporting procedures and child-friendly communication. Parents should also be included, because child safety cannot be ensured by schools alone.
Finally, a child’s silence should never be ignored, a child’s fear should never be dismissed and a child’s dignity should never be compromised. Schools must become places where children are not only educated, but protected with compassion and legal understanding. The practical way forward is to appoint nodal teachers, create child protection committees, conduct regular training, establish confidential reporting systems and work closely with DLSA and child welfare authorities. A society that protects its children protects its own future.