Daijiworld Media Network - Bengaluru

Bengaluru, Oct 16: With a rising number of teenage pregnancies reported in Karnataka, the state government is rolling out a major awareness campaign on the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act across government schools and colleges, targeting students from Classes 6 to 12.

The initiative, aimed at combating child sexual abuse and improving adolescent awareness of their rights and safety, will be launched in November and continue until January across 40,000 schools and 4,248 colleges in the state.

Announcing the programme, Vidya Kumari, State project director of Samagra Shikshana Karnataka, said: “A government order has already been issued to launch the campaign. Our aim is to sensitise students to child protection laws and empower them to safeguard themselves.”

Teachers have already undergone training from former judges, child rights activists, and legal experts, enabling them to deliver sessions on key aspects of the POCSO Act and related topics.

Adolescents to be trained on law, consent and emotional impact

The campaign will cover a broad range of issues relevant to adolescents, including:

• The definition and forms of child sexual abuse

• Key provisions of the POCSO Act, related offences, and punishments

• Important amendments to child protection laws from 2015 to 2021

• The difference between safe and unsafe touch

• Understanding the emotional and psychological impact of teenage relationships

• Recognising inappropriate behaviour and how to report it

Sessions will include discussions and interactive dialogues to ensure students fully understand their rights and responsibilities. “Our sessions also help students understand the emotional consequences of premature romantic involvement, and build the confidence to speak up,” Kumari added.

Self-defence training and support systems introduced

To complement the awareness campaign, the government has also begun self-defence training sessions for girl students in several institutions.

A high-level advisory committee has been constituted to oversee the campaign, including:

• Vasudeva Sharma, executive director of Child Rights Trust

• Dr Tippeswamy K T, member of the Karnataka State Commission for Protection of Child Rights

• Other experts in child safety and adolescent health

The campaign also aims to familiarise students with child-friendly police stations and open shelters, so they know where to turn if they are in distress or need help.

Expert voices urge deeper reforms

Welcoming the initiative, Vasudeva Sharma acknowledged the severity of the issue: “Teen pregnancy is on the rise in Karnataka, and it carries both physical and emotional consequences. The government should have launched this programme much earlier.”

He further added that awareness needs to begin with the basics: “Before talking about the law, teachers must first educate students on human biology and the concept of consent, along with distinguishing between safe and unsafe touch. Only then can legal awareness have a lasting impact.”

The initiative comes amid growing concern over adolescent health and rising reports of sexual abuse cases involving minors. Authorities hope this proactive approach will not only prevent exploitation but also equip students with the knowledge to protect themselves — and others.