‘Child Helpline – 1098’ to be written on school walls, included in textbooks

The Department of School Education and Literacy (DSEL) has ordered widespread dissemination of the Child Helpline number 1098, which provides 24/7 emergency services to children, in schools and colleges.

A circular issued by K.V. Trilok Chandra, Commissioner for Public Instruction, in this regard, directs that all government, aided, private schools and pre-university colleges across the state have to write “Child Helpline – 1098” on their walls, put it as a seal at the bottom of all pages of textbooks, in all school websites and inform students during morning assembly.

“The government’s objective is to provide emergency services to children in distress and need of protection and nurturing. This is a free phone call that children or the public can call and provide protection to children in need of emergency assistance,” Mr. Trilok Chandra said.

This move comes against the backdrop of concern over rising cases of abuse faced by children in homes, schools, and public places. For instance, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah had reprimanded officials for failing to curb the menace of child marriages in the State. Concerns were also raised over rising teenage pregnancies. Apart from these, punishments including caning children, cleaning toilets by children, physical and mental abuse, and sexual harassment have been reported from schools as well. 

“In such situations, children become disoriented and helpless to protect themselves. In this regard, the child helpline has been implemented to provide emergency services to children in need of care and protection. But not many children themselves know about it. These steps will help make children aware that they can seek help from the helpline,” a senior official said. 

The School Development and Monitoring Committee (SDMC) has welcomed the move of the DSEL to widely promote the Child Helpline. “Even schools and colleges are not free of child exploitation. After suffering abuse, children are often left devastated, unable to tell anyone, including their parents, about the atrocities committed against them. Therefore, if the Child Helpline is always in front of their eyes, it will be helpful for them to call and protect themselves in emergency situations”, Umesh G. Gangavadi, State president of SDMC said.