Shillong, April 25: Agatha K. Sangma, Chairperson of the Meghalaya State Commission for Protection of Child Rights (MSCPCR), has made a strong appeal for the immediate and effective implementation of child safety guidelines in schools. Speaking at the event “Guardians for Child Safety: Schools Leading the Way”, organised by Faith Foundation at Bosco Integrated Development Society (BIDS), Nongshiliang, Sangma called upon educators, institutions, and communities to work together to ensure children’s safety in every aspect of their school life.

Addressing school principals, counsellors, teachers, students, and members of the Faith Foundation, Sangma outlined the key provisions of the Guidelines for Safe and Secure School Environment, issued by the National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR) in 2021. These guidelines cover infrastructure safety, health and hygiene, mental well-being, and digital protection.

“These guidelines are not just recommendations,” Sangma stated firmly. “The Supreme Court has directed that they be implemented in all schools across the country. This is no longer optional.”

Focus on Infrastructure and Health
Sangma underscored the importance of safe school infrastructure, including strong and secure buildings, fire safety equipment, clean and accessible toilets, safe drinking water, and hygienic kitchen facilities. She raised particular concern about the lack of proper menstrual hygiene management, which contributes to high dropout rates among girls. “Schools must ensure separate and well-maintained toilets for girls,” she said.

She also highlighted the need for regular health check-ups and immunisation drives. Commending the success of February’s Deworming Day, she noted that deworming tablets were distributed across numerous schools in the state.

Psychological and Digital Safety
Sangma emphasised that psychological safety is an urgent and often overlooked concern. “Bullying, corporal punishment, and child sexual abuse must be addressed with clear systems for reporting and support,” she said. The guidelines require schools to establish anti-bullying committees, gender sensitisation units, and provide access to professional counselling.

Digital safety, a new addition to the guidelines in 2024, was also a key focus. Sangma warned of the increasing threats faced by children online, including cyberbullying, identity theft, and exposure to inappropriate content. “Children must be taught how to stay safe online, and schools should monitor digital activity and promote responsible internet use,” she said.

The Role of Teachers, Counsellors, and Parents
She highlighted a dedicated section in the safety manual that outlines the responsibilities of teachers and counsellors. “Teachers must remain alert, nurture a discrimination-free environment, and take part in safety drills—whether for fire or earthquakes, many of which are rarely conducted,” she remarked.

Sangma also raised concerns about the absence of Parent-Teacher Associations (PTAs) in many schools. “PTAs are essential. Without them, we cannot monitor the emotional and academic well-being of our children,” she stressed. “Parental involvement is not an accessory—it is a necessity.”

Changing the Narrative Around Child Abuse
Reflecting on her tenure, Sangma spoke candidly about the disturbing scale of child sexual abuse. “Almost 90 percent of child sexual abuse cases involve someone the child knows—a family member, a neighbour, or even someone within the school. And yet, we often pretend it doesn’t exist,” she said. “We must talk about it. We must name it. Only then can we address it.”

She praised the work of Faith Foundation, which has been actively engaged in child protection and education across Meghalaya for over a decade. Calling for stronger collaboration between schools, government bodies, and civil society, she reminded attendees that the safety guidelines align with existing laws such as the Right to Education Act, the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, and the Juvenile Justice Act.

Concluding her address, Sangma quoted the late educationist Sir Ken Robinson: “He said the key to transforming education is not standardisation, but personalisation—to create environments where children want to learn. And that is impossible without safety. If a child is not safe, they will not thrive.”

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