Visakhapatnam: District child protection officer K. Harikrishna said creating awareness among students was crucial to preventing child marriages and protecting children’s rights. He was addressing an awareness programme at Andhra University High School on Saturday.
The programme was organised by the district women development and child welfare department and the district child protection unit (DCPU), Visakhapatnam, under the Central government’s 100 Days Bal Vivah Mukti Bharat Campaign. It focused on preventing child marriages, child rights, child protection laws and suicide prevention.
Harikrishna said child marriage had serious consequences for children’s education, health and future prospects. He encouraged students to pursue their goals with discipline, face challenges confidently and give importance to mental well-being. He also stressed the need to understand laws, rights and responsibilities.
Child helpline supervisor G.N. Mahalakshmi and case worker Gauthami said children facing emergencies or distress could seek assistance through Child Helpline 1098. They urged students to report harassment, violations of children’s rights and other protection-related concerns to the authorities.
Officials also explained the Prohibition of Child Marriage Act, Posco Act, Juvenile Justice Act, Mission Vatsalya, Beti Bachao Beti Padhao, legal adoption procedures, nutrition and mental health issues.
Students took a pledge to work towards eliminating child marriages and resolved not to support marriages involving girls below 18 years and boys below 21 years.
School headmistress K. Salomi, teachers, Child Helpline personnel, DCPU staff and representatives of various departments attended the programme.
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