A multi-departmental awareness programme on child protection, cyber safety, drug abuse prevention and social welfare was held at Khasi Pnar Secondary School, Bakur Village, Amlarem Sub-Division, to sensitise students, parents and the public on emerging social challenges, legal safeguards and Government support services.
The programme brought together officials from the Civil Administration, Police, District Child Protection Unit (DCPU), District Legal Services Authority (DLSA), Social Welfare and Health Departments, along with teachers and traditional village authorities. It was chaired by Dr. K. Rabha, MCS, Assistant Commissioner, Amlarem, while Smt. Rita Lanong, Principal of the school, delivered the welcome address.
The SDPO, Amlarem, highlighted the growing threat of drug abuse among young people, warning that substance abuse can lead to addiction, criminal behaviour, school dropout and loss of career opportunities. He urged parents to maintain close communication with their children and cautioned students against excessive mobile phone use, online gaming, cybercrime and fraudulent employment offers. He also urged the public to report drug trafficking, human trafficking and other illegal activities to the police.
The SDO (Civil), Amlarem, stressed the importance of awareness among adolescents, particularly in border areas. She highlighted concerns related to offences under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, child marriage, cybercrime, online financial fraud, phishing, OTP fraud and AI-enabled deepfakes. She also emphasised mental health, nutrition and immunisation.
Technical sessions were conducted by Inspector Arwin Phawa, Officer-in-Charge, Dawki Police Station; Smt. Saralin S. Rynkhlem, Legal-cum-Probation Officer, DCPU, Jowai; Shri Lop Stevenson Khonglah, Assistant Legal Aid Defense Counsel, DLSA, West Jaintia Hills; and Smt. Balarishisha Lyngdoh, Counsellor, One Stop Centre, Sabah Muswang.
The resource persons sensitised participants on cybercrime, human trafficking, drug abuse, child protection, legal rights, women’s rights, good touch and bad touch, online safety and domestic violence. They also explained the various Government support services available to children and women, including legal aid, counselling, medical referral, temporary shelter and rehabilitation.
The programme concluded with an interactive question-and-answer session, with students raising queries on cyber safety, substance abuse, human trafficking and child protection. Participants were also reminded of key support services, including Child Helpline 1098, Women Helpline 181 and the One Stop Centre, West Jaintia Hills, at 6009957335.
The programme reaffirmed the importance of coordinated efforts among Government departments, schools, village authorities, parents and the community in protecting children, empowering women and addressing emerging social challenges.
