Dear students 

 

Today, I would like to talk about something very important – the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act, or POCSO Act. This is a special law made in India to protect children, like all of us, from any form of sexual abuse or harm.

 

What is the POCSO Act?

 

The POCSO Act was passed in 2012 by the Indian government to safeguard children under the age of 18 from different types of sexual abuse. It applies to both boys and girls.

 

If you or any of your friends ever feel uncomfortable because of someone’s behavior, you should not stay silent. It's important to talk to someone you trust, like your parents, teachers, or even a school counselor. The POCSO Act makes it mandatory for adults to report such cases to the police if they know about them.

 

You must know about your Rights Under the POCSO Act

 

You Have the Right to Speak Up: You do not need to be afraid. The law protects your identity so that no one will know your name if you choose to report something.

 

You Have the Right to Protection: If someone is hurting you, the law will make sure you get justice and that the person is punished.

 

You Have the Right to a Safe Environment: Whether it’s at home, in school, or anywhere else, everyone deserves to feel safe and secure.

 

The POCSO Act is here to protect every one of us. Always remember that no one has the right to hurt or make you feel unsafe, and the law is on your side.

 

Let’s work together to make sure that our school, our community, and our country remain safe for every child.