Making schools safer through policy changes
THE LAST SURVEY BY THE GOVERNMENT (2007) ON CHILD ABUSE REVEALED THAT NEARLY 70% CHILDREN FACED PHYSICAL ABUSE
Much attention in the preceding years has gone on the issue of declining learning outcomes of children. A range of solutions have been offered, including stronger academic standards, regular testing and training of teachers. Quality of education, however, cannot be ensured unless schools become safe and welcoming place for children to learn and thrive. Some social groups are more vulnerable than others; Scheduled Caste children face multiple forms of discrimination, violence and exclusion. Of the estimated 60 million-child labourers in India, 40 % come from Dalit families alone. The last survey by the government (2007) on child abuse revealed that nearly 70% children faced physical abuse and about 50% were sexually abused.
Manifestly, students – including those in elite private schools are not safe given media reports on deaths reported on school premises. In each category, girls are the most vulnerable.
Despite this understanding, however, there is no comprehensive data on safety of schools in a particular state or district, although a comprehensive national survey is underway by the National Commission for Protection of Child Rights. Recognizing the scale of the problem would be the first step towards addressing it.
Working towards ensuring children, especially more vulnerable girls, have right to a life free from violence, would require absolute commitment and coordinated action by the entire education ecosystem.
A clearer articulation of State and National government strategy to address the issue through vision documents, guidelines and policies that are backed by adequate resources for their implementation and robust monitoring systems is important. While guidelines for safety measures in schools exist (eg. NDMA’s National School Safety Policy, CBSE’s school safety rules, and guidelines issued by individual states), their implementation has been patchy, with attention peaking after media reports of the latest tragic incident only to dissipate soon thereafter.
Awareness of existing provisions is limited, and must be incorporated in orientation of all stakeholders in the education system. Greater efforts are needed to sensitize teachers, undertake safety audits and develop safety plans, improve school environments, strengthen school monitoring and enforce compliance with provisions under existing guidelines
Structured safe spaces, with a regulated process, must be created for children, especially girls, to express their concerns and submit their complaints in school without fear of reprisal.
Clear strategies for girls to develop self-confidence, leadership, training on self-defense and undertake social action would go a long way to prevent violence. Addressing this, however, cannot be left to children, strengthening community and parent participation is critical so adults monitor and support schools. Existing institutions like School Management Committees in government schools must be strengthened.
A broader mobilization of concerned citizens and a broad alliance of concerned civil society organizations will be critical in this regard.
The problem, however, will not be resolved through action by schools and the education department alone.
Efforts are needed to change prevailing gender norms, address prevailing caste bias and recognize the criticality of listening to the voices of children. Strengthening implementation of the Integrated Child Protection Scheme and reform in the criminal justice system to make it more responsive to child rights is critical for ensuring each child in India is safe.