The Uttar Pradesh Basic Education Council has announced a comprehensive awareness campaign regarding the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, 2012, aimed at approximately 2.9 crore students in Classes 1 to 8. This initiative, unveiled by Parishad secretary Surendra Kumar Tiwari, will implement structured activities to educate children about personal safety, including understanding good and bad touch, and the legal protections available to them. Schools will conduct seminars and special programs related to the POCSO Act at least twice a year, ensuring mandatory participation from teachers and staff.

Additionally, the campaign emphasizes adolescent education, addressing topics such as gender sensitivity, emotional management, and personal hygiene. Special sessions for girls will focus on safe menstrual practices, with schools required to provide sanitary napkins and hygienic disposal systems. To combat unhealthy eating habits, educational videos will be shown to explain the dangers of junk food.

Compliance with these initiatives is mandatory for all schools, including private institutions, and any non-compliance will result in strict disciplinary action. Child rights activist Sheeba Jose welcomed the initiative, highlighting its importance in reducing children's vulnerability by increasing awareness of legal protections and support systems.