As part of their nationwide crime prevention efforts, the police are visiting religious institutions to spread awareness on issues ranging from substance abuse to digital threats. In a sensitisation talk held at Simtokha Shedra in Thimphu last week, police officers spoke about the dangers of drugs, crime, and growing concerns of pornography and cyberbullying.
Police said it is important to raise awareness, even in monastic institutions, as this can help prevent future problems and encourage responsible use of technology. Police are planning to visit monastic institutions across the country to raise awareness.
They shared that in many cases, victims are blackmailed with private videos or images, often sexual in nature, in exchange for money. Some of these videos are recorded with or without consent and later circulated widely on social media.
What’s more concerning, police say, is that young individuals are often added to such groups, exposing them to explicit content. And it often happens without the digital literacy to recognise or protect themselves from such risks.
Recognising these risks, the Central Monastic Body is integrating life skills into monastic education.
In March this year, the Central Monastic Body and the United Nations Population Fund launched Life Skills Education for monks and nuns in primary classes. The curriculum includes topics such as sexual and reproductive health, personal hygiene, teenage pregnancy, and sexual harassment, taught alongside traditional scriptures.
Dorji Khandu, Deputy Secretary of Council for Buddhist University in Central Monastic Body said, “Our monks and nuns are like any other children in schools. That’s why we have included topics such as pornography and cyber bullying in the curriculum. It is important that we teach them how to protect themselves and know where to seek help. We have discussed this thoroughly and made it a part of their life skills education.”
He added that they will train monastic teachers from across the country on the subject next month, and lessons are expected to start by October.
Tashi Dekar
Edited by Tshering Zam
