As
s*xual abuse of children is becoming incessant, the Early Childhood
Association (ECA) consisting of 200 preschools and experts has come up
with some steps that schools can follow to ensure that children are
safe. According to Hindustan Times,
the steps parents should take to ensure that their children are safe
from s*xual abuse in school include how the management should act if any
parent or student approaches them with a complaint about s*xual abuse.
Here are five major safety steps to be taken by schools:
1. Conduct background checks on all support staff including bais
(women attendants), peons, watchman, drivers, cleaners, gardeners, and
lift men. There are many companies who can help you do this.
2. Do not allow children younger than seven to be alone with male
staff, always ensure that they are accompanied by women. There should be
one woman staff member for every three children who are younger one as
they require extra attention. A ratio of 1:5 can work for children
between one to two years.
3. Ensure that children are taught about good touch and bad touch
regularly. Train staff to teach children according to the school policy
and not according to their own beliefs.
4. If any parent or student complains about s*xual abuse, do not
dismiss the complaint. Meet the parent and give them your full support.
Many schools, crèche and day cares are afraid of negative publicity but
if you support the parent and child, other parents will respect you.
5. Always encourage the parent to ask the police to file a first
information report (FIR). Under the Protection of Children Against
Sexual Offences Act, any party having knowledge of such an incident must
report it to the police.
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