To prevent the children from falling victim to abuse, exploitation and other forms of crimes, more than 200 parents in Gelegphu attended a child protection advocacy program.
Officials from the Royal Bhutan Police, the National Commission of Woman and Children and Respect, Educate, Nurture and Empower Women (RENEW) facilitated the programme.
Concerned about the increasing number of cases of child molestation, sexual abuse and substance abuse among youths, the programme was organised by the Gelegphu Lower Secondary School. Three cases of sexual abuse of under-aged children were reported in Sarpang dzongkhag this year.
“Parents have to keep their children engaged by making them do some productive works that a child is capable of undertaking and discipline them with proper guidance and advice. Parents should not send their children to faraway places to work. They also should not let their children go out late in the night,” said Kuenzang Dorji, the Principal of Gelegphu LSS.
He added that as Sarpang is in the bordering area it is risky if youths get in conflict with the law. There are reports of many such incidences that happened in the past where some youths were put behind the bar. The school authority said such an awareness program for parents is imperative.
“With the awareness on child abuse, parenting and coming in conflict with the law by the officials from relevant agencies, parents will be better educated on taking care of their children,” he said.
Parents were advocated on indulging their children in indoor and outdoor games, library book, counselling and Internet facilities at the youth centre for child development, especially during winter vacation.
Karma Wangdi.
