The workshop provided in-depth coverage of the POCSO Act’s provisions and their practical implications in the school setting. Key topics included:

• Key Definitions and Offences under the Act: Understanding what constitutes sexual offences against children, including penetrative and non-penetrative assaults, sexual harassment, and using children for pornographic purposes.

• Mandatory Reporting Obligations: Legal responsibilities of teachers and staff to report any suspected or disclosed cases of abuse, with an emphasis on the protection provided to the informant.

• Child-friendly Procedures: The legal requirements for handling child victims sensitively during reporting, investigation, and trial processes.

• Institutional Responsibilities: Preventive measures schools must adopt, including awareness, vigilance, and creating a safe environment for children.

Advocate Kanwaljit Singh explained the severe legal consequences of failing to report offences and emphasized the need for immediate action to protect children’s rights. Staff were encouraged to adopt a proactive and empathetic approach when interacting with students and to maintain confidentiality during the reporting process.

The session concluded with an engaging Question and Answer round where staff posed questions about handling disclosures, responding to concerns, and differentiating between different forms of abuse.

Feedback from the staff highlighted the practical relevance of the session, increasing their confidence in identifying and responding to situations covered under the POCSO Act.

This workshop was a crucial step in reinforcing our school’s commitment to child safety and ensuring that every staff member is informed about their legal and ethical responsibilities under the POCSO Act.