Safety Of The Girl Child

Human trafficking, physical violence and harassment have become a staple part of everyday news in India. Understanding the reality that we live in a digital world and that children have access to phones right from a very young age, cybercrimes are also a very obvious threat. With so much violence being perpetrated against children and a lack of enough safety measures in most schools and public places, it’s essential to teach the girl child that it’s better to be safe than sorry, particularly when she is on her own.Boarding school in Kerala gives special awareness classes for girls.

Safety measures for the girl child

For primary schoolers (ages 6–9)

1. Information about self: Children should know their full name, home address, and phone number etc. 

2. Situational awareness: Ask your child to notice the shortest route to the exit in a closed space.

3. Safe and unsafe touch: Teach your kid the difference between safe and unsafe touch.

4. No-go-tell: Teach your daughter to shout ‘No’, and then to ‘Go’ and ‘Tell’ a trusted adult if she ever feels uncomfortable.

5. Child helpline number: Ensure that your child remembers the Child Helpline number 1098 

6. Stranger danger: Explain to your child that she should not speak to strangers.

7. No wandering alone: Guide your child to stick to the routes you have shown her.

For preteens (ages 10–12)

1. Self-defence: It is a great idea to teach your daughter how to defend and protect herself in any bad situation. 

2. Always be alert and aware: Teach your child to mentally prepare a plan of action for any situation. 

3. Trust your instinct: Teach your daughters to trust their ability and pay heed to it.

For teens (ages 13–18)

This is the age when girls are finding themselves. It is also the time when they feel attracted to someone. Attention from boys might seem like a blessing but teach your child to be a strong, confident and positive young woman.

1. Say NO: Teach your daughter to say ‘No’ if she feels uncomfortable.

2. Open communication

3. In the digital space: Make her informed of the dangers present online and encourage caution.

4. Awareness: Make your daughter aware of the different types of harassment and to speak up against it whilst always securing her own security first.