Date:06/10/2008 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2008/10/06/stories/2008100651610300.htm

Tamil Nadu - Chennai

Keeping kids safe

S. Vijay Kumar

Police have chalked out a strategy to sensitise children, parents and teachers

Chennai: It was a tragic incident that sent shivers down the spine of residents in Sowcarpet in the city on September 26.

A young boy was kidnapped for ransom and brutally murdered within hours. The body of A. Monic with his head crushed was thrown on the railway track near Thirumullaivoyal.

The accused, the victim’s uncle, is still on the run.

Safety of children, not only in such cases, but also in road accidents, drugs and cyber crimes has gained prominence of late. While the city police recently launched an awareness programme on safe surfing in association with IT major, Google, the Chennai Suburban Police have chalked out a strategy to sensitise children, parents and teachers.

The bottom line of the plan is safety of children, particularly the school-going ones.

At a meeting convened on Friday, Suburban Commissioner of Police S. R. Jangid instructed senior police officers to organise awareness campaigns at schools.

Police would sensitise the school children to three basic points: Not to accept eatables offered by strangers, avoid going with unknown persons who might offer to drop at home and always carry a photo identity card issued by the school.

As part of the campaign, police officers would address parent-teacher meetings and highlight the precautionary measures that were imperative for the safety of children. Decoys would be sent to schools to check the awareness level among children after the campaign.

Police personnel deployed for patrolling at bus stands, railway stations, shopping malls and remote residential areas have been told to keep a close watch on the movement of children.

“We also want to focus on how awareness could be created among students on the evils of drugs. Minors should not be allowed to use motorcycles since they would not have a driving licence. This is a long-term initiative that aims at creating a safer environment for children. Parents have a vital role to play in educating their children on the do’s and don’ts when it comes to safety,” Mr. Jangid said.