PASIGHAT, Nov 2 : The District Legal Services Authority (DLSA), East Siang, under the aegis of the Arunachal Pradesh State Legal Services Authority (APSLSA), conducted a six-day legal awareness campaign across various schools in East Siang District from October 26 to 31, as part of the nationwide Surakshit Bachpan Abhiyan, an initiative of the National Legal Services Authority (NALSA).
The campaign sought to strengthen awareness among schoolchildren about their rights, personal safety and legal protection, with particular emphasis on the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, 2012, child rights, safe and unsafe touch, cyber safety, cyberbullying and prevention of drug abuse. The initiative was aimed at equipping children with the knowledge and confidence to recognise unsafe situations, protect themselves against abuse and exploitation, and seek timely assistance whenever necessary.
A notable aspect of the campaign was the participation of law students from Apex Professional University, Pasighat, who contributed to the awareness sessions and joined the efforts to promote child rights and protection among schoolchildren.
During the sessions, the resource persons explained the relevant legal provisions and safety measures in simple, age-appropriate language, using practical examples and familiar situations to make the subjects understandable to students. Particular emphasis was placed on recognising inappropriate behaviour, understanding personal boundaries, distinguishing between safe and unsafe touch, and identifying circumstances that may expose children to abuse, harassment or exploitation.
The students were encouraged to speak up against abuse, report incidents without fear or hesitation, and seek assistance from parents, teachers, trusted adults and appropriate authorities. The resource persons also addressed cyberbullying, online exploitation, the risks associated with sharing personal information on digital platforms, and the harmful consequences of substance abuse.
An important component of the campaign was familiarising children with the support mechanisms available in times of distress. The resource persons explained the significance of the Child Helpline 1098, the Emergency Response Number 112 and NALSA's toll-free Legal Aid Helpline 15100, highlighting the purpose of each service and the circumstances in which assistance could be sought. Students were encouraged to memorise these numbers and were guided through their repetition to reinforce recall, so that they could seek appropriate assistance when required.
The programmes witnessed active participation from students and teachers, with interactive discussions and questions relating to child rights, personal safety and legal protection. The resource persons addressed the queries raised by the participants, helping them develop a clearer understanding of their rights and the measures available for their protection. Students were also administered a pledge to uphold child rights, promote personal safety and stand against child abuse and exploitation.
Beyond creating awareness of legal provisions, the campaign emphasised the importance of building trust and communication between children, parents and teachers. It sought to encourage an environment in which children feel confident to express their concerns, report inappropriate conduct and seek help without fear or embarrassment.
The six-day campaign concluded on October 31, underscoring the importance of collective responsibility among educational institutions, families and communities in safeguarding children. Through the initiative, DLSA East Siang sought to bring legal awareness closer to schoolchildren and strengthen their understanding of the rights, safeguards and assistance available to them under the law.  DIPRO

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Kenter Joya Riba

(Managing Editor)
      She is a graduate in Science with post graduation in Sociology from University of Pune. She has been in the media industry for nearly a decade. Before turning to print business, she has been associated with radio and television.
Email: kenterjoyaz@easternsentinel.in / editoreasternsentinel@gmail.com
Phone: 0360-2212313

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