Latest news with #KSCPCR
The Hindu
4 hours ago
- The Hindu
Study on online child sexual abuse recommends inclusion of digital literacy in school curriculum
A pilot study on online sexual exploitation and abuse of children in Karnataka has recommended that digital literacy and online safety should be a compulsory part of the school curriculum, starting from the primary level. Protecting children from online risks requires the concerted efforts of parents, educators, policymakers, and communities, said the study jointly conducted by ChildFund India and Karnataka State Commission for Protection of Child Rights (KSCPCR). A report on the study titled 'Online Risks of Children: Focus on Online Sexual Exploitation and Abuse of Children' was released by Legislative Council Chairman Basavaraj Horatti in Bengaluru on Friday. 'This report is a comprehensive effort to understand the digital experiences of children in Karnataka, capturing insights from children themselves, as well as from parents, teachers, and child protection stakeholders. It provides a holistic view of children's vulnerabilities in the digital realm,' said KSCPCR chairperson K. Naganna Gowda. Objectives of study The major objectives of this study were to investigate the nature and prevalence of 'Online Sexual Exploitation and Abuse of Children' (OSEAC) in Karnataka by estimating the prevalence of OSEAC among children aged 8 to 18 years. In the first stage, five districts from Karnataka (Chamarajanagar, Raichur, Chikkamagaluru, Belagavi and Bengaluru) were selected. In the next stage, schools of various types were sampled from the rural and urban areas, which constituted the Second-stage Sampling Units (SSUs). Subsequently, individual respondents were sampled, who constituted the Ultimate Sampling Units (USUs) in the study. Six schools were selected from each of the five districts and 30 students (10 each from 8-11 years, 12-14 years and 15-18 years categories) were sampled from each of these schools. Two out of school children from the vicinity of the sampled schools were also included for interviews. Overall, 903 school going children were covered under the study. Key recommendations The study noted that the COVID-19 pandemic significantly increased children's exposure to online risks, underscoring the urgent need for corrective measures. Parental supervision, teacher training, and digital literacy emerged as critical areas for prevention and mitigating risks. However, underreporting and societal stigma continue to pose significant challenges, discouraging victims and families from seeking help. Addressing OSEAC comprehensively requires a collaborative effort involving schools, parents, NGOs, and law enforcement, with a focus on awareness, support services, and stricter enforcement of child protection measures, the study recommended. Open communication between parents and children about online risks and safe behavior should be encouraged and community awareness programmes should be conducted, it added. Digital literacy and online safety should be included in school curriculum, and age-appropriate toolkits should be developed. Peer-led education and workshops should be used to teach parents, especially in rural areas, about monitoring children's internet use. Children should be involved in designing safer online spaces and creating community and 'Digital Safety Champions' for first-response support. The other recommendations included setting up a Karnataka OSEAC Task Force to oversee prevention and rehabilitation.
The Hindu
2 days ago
- Sport
- The Hindu
Karnataka child rights body seeks details of children affected in Bengaluru stampede from CID
The Karnataka State Commission for Protection of Child Rights (KSCPCR) has requested the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) to provide information about the children who were affected in the stampede that took place during the Indian Premier League (IPL) victory celebrations in Bengaluru last week. In a letter to the director of CID, the chairperson of KSCPCR, K. Nagannagowda, said that a large number of people from Bengaluru and other districts had come to the M. Chinnaswamy stadium to be a part of the Royal Challengers Bangalore's (RCB) IPL victory celebrations. The fact that children were also among them has come to the notice of the commission. 'There were 11 people who died in the stampede that occurred unexpectedly. The public has informed the commission that children were also affected in the incident. Therefore, the commission has taken this issue seriously, but the exact details of the problems caused to the children present there are not known yet.' The government has ordered a CID probe into the stampede that took place during RCB's victory celebrations which left 11 people dead, including a 14-year-old girl, on June 4, 2025.
Time of India
25-04-2025
- Time of India
Bengaluru schools deny allegations of forced book purchases and fee hike
Bengaluru: Responding to a notice from Karnataka State Commission for Protection of Child Rights (KSCPCR) that they had exorbitantly hiked the fee and compelled students to buy books from them, three schools have denied the allegations. It may be recalled that on April 16, the commission issued a notice to three schools — Baldwin Boys' High School, Baldwin Girls' High School, and Baldwin Co-ed Extension High School — based on a complaint it received from Samriddhi Bharat Foundation. TOI reported that the commission asked the schools to respond within three days. You Can Also Check: Bengaluru AQI | Weather in Bengaluru | Bank Holidays in Bengaluru | Public Holidays in Bengaluru The schools, in their response, said being unaided minority schools, the institutions do not come under the provisions of Right to Education Act . Calling the allegations false and frivolous, the schools have asked the commission to retract the letter and verify the credibility of the complainant. "Our schools do not indulge in any sort of practices, which will damage our reputation in society. Our schools do not force any student to purchase notebooks from our institutions, and it is purely discretionary. Therefore, the allegations made are without any basis and false," they said. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Don't Pay Full Price for 2025's Top Games! Shop Now Undo "Our institutions have a robust mechanism for procuring books through authorised vendors with proper checks and balances, ensuring that our students are provided with books at lower costs," they said. Arguing that the letter issued by the complainant does not provide any details as to who complained to him, the schools have said they "apprehend vested interests have instigated the complainant to issue the fabricated letter." Speaking to TOI, principal Asha Das said the fee hike was only marginal and denied all allegations. KSCPCR chairman Naganna Gowda said he is waiting for the report from deputy director of public instruction. "Based on the inquiry report, we will decide whether to take a suo moto case," he said. Meanwhile, the school education department has issued a circular asking all private schools to publish the fees on websites and notice boards, prohibiting capitation fees and interviews, and warning of action in case they do not conduct admissions as per the bye-laws of their boards and circulars of the department.
