The Kerala government is taking significant strides to enhance child safety and awareness by introducing lessons about the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act into the school curriculum, starting from the academic year 2024. Spearheaded by the State Council of Educational Research and Training (SCERT), this initiative aims to educate students about their rights and safety, addressing the pressing need for awareness on this critical issue.
This decision comes in response to concerns raised by the Kerala High Court, which brought attention to a troubling increase in sexual offences against children. Justice Bechu Kurian Thomas, during a recent bail hearing, expressed apprehension over children’s limited knowledge of the legal provisions established by the POCSO Act, even in cases involving consensual relationships among minors.
To tackle these concerns head-on, SCERT is proactively integrating awareness about the POCSO Act into the curriculum. Educators with expertise in this area will develop textbooks that handle this sensitive subject matter with utmost care and sensitivity. Textbook creation is set to commence in August, and the SCERT has assured the court that the new curriculum will be introduced gradually.
Starting from the academic year 2024-2025, lessons about the POCSO Act will be incorporated into the curriculum for standards I, III, V, VI, VIII, and IX. For standards II, IV, VII, and X, the integration will begin from the academic year 2025-2026. To ensure effective implementation, teachers will undergo workshops after the curriculum revision.
The combined efforts of the state government, SCERT, and the Kerala State Legal Services Authority (KELSA) in addressing this crucial issue have received praise from the Kerala High Court. This initiative underscores a proactive approach toward safeguarding children’s rights and fostering a secure environment for their growth and education.