Cyberabad police launch School Safety Clubs to tackle bullying, abuse and drugs

In a bid to address rising concerns over bullying, child abuse, drug use, and cyber threats in schools, the Cyberabad Police has launched a multi-pronged School Safety Clubs initiative to strengthen child protection measures across educational institutions.

During a meeting by the Cyberabad commissionerate, school managements were directed to adopt a child-centric safety framework with clear protocols, awareness campaigns, and reporting mechanisms.

Focus on four key areas

The initiative mandates schools to focus on four key areas including physical safety, cyber safety, anti-drug abuse, and mental health, each overseen by trained faculty and Balamitra teachers. Institutions were instructed to form School Safety Clubs, conduct regular safety activities, and collectively pledge to uphold child rights and protection standards.

Addressing principals and management representatives from the Madhapur zone, DCP Vineeth G. stressed the need for preventive action in light of growing cases of children ending their life by suicides, bullying, substance abuse, and sexual harassment within school environments. He urged schools to involve students in safety decision-making, listen to their concerns, and provide secure, anonymous channels to report abuse or distress.

Complaint boxes and helplines to speak without fear

The official directed all schools to implement zero-tolerance policies against ragging and bullying, set up anti-ragging committees, monitor vulnerable areas like hostels and transport routes, and ensure the presence of complaint drop boxes and helplines to encourage students to speak up without fear.

On the issue of drug use among students, the official warned that possession or consumption of narcotics, even by minors, is a punishable offence under the NDPS Act, and schools could be held responsible if such substances are found on campus. For minors, action will be taken under the Juvenile Justice Act with an emphasis on rehabilitation.

Schools were required to report any instance or suspicion of sexual harassment, conduct staff background checks, and establish POCSO Committees. Failure to report abuse can result in legal consequences for school staff.

DCP Srujana Karnam of the Women and Child Safety Wing highlighted the department’s wider efforts, through cyber safety education, anti-drug drives, and the Suraksha Kavach programme, to create a safe and supportive environment for children. The Safety Clubs, she said, will empower schools to identify, prevent, and address child safety issues more effectively. CHILDLINE 1098, a 24×7 toll-free helpline, was reiterated as a vital emergency contact for children in distress.

Madhapur Traffic DCP Sai Manohar also spoke on the need to improve traffic safety during school hours, calling for zebra crossings, signage, speed breakers, traffic marshals, and restricted entry points. He stressed that functional CCTVs, verified personnel, and access control were essential to school security.