Keeping Children Safe From Abuse: What POCSO Means for Parents

India's POCSO law protects every child under 18, and it says schools must report abuse, not handle it quietly. Here's how to talk to your child and what to do if you're worried.

Child protection6 Oct 20265 min read

The Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act, 2012 (POCSO) covers every child under 18. Under Section 19, anyone who knows or suspects a child is being abused must report it to the police or the Special Juvenile Police Unit. A school that knows and doesn't report can face action under the law, so a school can't settle a case privately.

The Ministry of Education's Guidelines on School Safety and Security (2021) hold school management responsible for children's safety in government, aided and private schools alike, and ask schools to train teachers on POCSO.

Talking with your child

Teach your child the correct names for their private parts, and that no one may touch them there or ask to see them.
Tell them there are no secrets from you about touching, gifts or photos, even if someone says they'll get in trouble for telling.
Name three trusted adults your child can go to, at home and at school.
Keep the conversation short and calm, and come back to it often.

Signs to watch for

Children rarely say it straight out. Watch for sudden changes: fear of a person or place, trouble sleeping, new gifts or money, or behaviour that seems older than their age. A change doesn't prove abuse, but it's a reason to gently ask and to listen.

If your child tells you something

Stay calm, believe them and thank them for telling you. Don't confront the person yourself, and don't wait for the school to handle it. Report it.

Where to reportIf a child is in danger now, call 112. Otherwise call 1098, go to the police, or report online through the POCSO e-Box at ncpcr.gov.in. Your identity is kept confidential. More in Where to report.

Sources

Guidelines on School Safety and Security (2021) (opens in a new tab) (Ministry of Education)
Guidelines on School Safety and Security: Section 19 of the POCSO Act (opens in a new tab) (Atomic Energy Education Society)
Register child rights violations related complaints (e-Baal Nidan and POCSO e-Box) (opens in a new tab) (National Government Services Portal)

This post is general information. Rules vary by state and school board, so ask your school about its own plan.