Child Protection News - Latest Updates & Headlines
IANS Year Ender 2025: Punjab rescues 807 child beggars, DNA tests to verify parentage
Chandigarh, Dec 29: In a first-of-its-kind initiative in the country, Punjab has decided that if a child is found begging with an adult, a DNA test will be conducted to establish whether the accompanying person is the biological parent or not. As many as 807 children involved in begging have been rescued this year, and the government has initiated their rehabilitation.
Madras HC suggests Australia-like law to regulate children's internet access
Chennai, December 26: The Madurai Bench of the Madras High Court has recently recommended that the Union government consider enacting legislation to regulate internet usage by children. Until such a decision is taken, the court said the State and National Commissions for Protection of Child Rights should formulate an action plan to create awareness among children about their rights and safe internet practices.
Minority rights group sounds alarm over growing violence against children in Pakistan
Islamabad, Nov 27: A leading minority rights organisation on Thursday expressed grave concern over a newly released national factsheet documenting 5, 097 cases of violence against children (VAC) across Pakistan in the first six months of 2025.
MP: Jitu Patwari meets Sehore rape survivor at AIIMS Bhopal
Bhopal, Nov 25: Madhya Pradesh Congress chief Jitu Patwari on Wednesday visited AIIMS Bhopal to inquire six-year-old girl, who was raped in Sehore district.
Assam saw major drop in child marriage cases under BJP govt: CM Sarma
Guwahati, Nov 26: Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Wednesday underscored a "major turnaround" in the state's battle against child marriage, saying a combination of stringent enforcement and systemic reforms has led to significant declines in the underage marriages and boosted legal accountability.
MP announces Rs 4,000 monthly aid under 'Mission Vatsalya' for vulnerable children
Bhopal, Nov 18: In a major boost to child welfare, the Madhya Pradesh government on Tuesday approved financial support under the central-sponsored 'Mission Vatsalya Yojana', providing Rs 4,000 per month per child for non-institutional care programmes.
HM Amit Shah tells northern states to ensure speedy justice in crimes against women, kids
Faridabad, Nov 17: Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Monday told northern states to continue all-out efforts to ensure speedy justice in crimes against women and children and also eradicate malnutrition and stunting.
Bhumi Pednekar reveals how 'Bhakshak' opened her eyes to children's harsh realities
Mumbai, Nov 14: On the occasion of Children’s Day, Bhumi Pednekar reflected on the stories of children that have left a lasting impact on her life and career.
Kerala CM Vijayan underlines cyber security as key to national safety
Thiruvananthapuram, Oct 11: Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan highlighted the state’s growing role as a national and global hub for cyber security during his address on Saturday at a conference on cyber security awareness, policy and innovation, an official said on Saturday.
SC to organise National Annual Stakeholders Consultation on 'Safeguarding the Girl Child'
New Delhi, October 10: The Juvenile Justice Committee of the Supreme Court will organise on October 11 and 12 the 10th National Annual Stakeholders Consultation on 'Safeguarding the Girl Child: Towards a Safer and Enabling Environment for Her in India'.
Fijian PM calls for unity, peace, progress as Fiji marks 55 years of independence
Suva, Oct 10: Fiji's Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka has urged all Fijians to embrace unity, peace, and progress as the nation celebrates 55 years of independence.
Fiji launches 1st national child safeguarding policy
Suva, Oct 8: Fiji has launched its first-ever National Child Safeguarding Policy, setting a new national benchmark for child safety across all sectors of society.
20 TN districts without proper child welfare panels months after state-level selection move
Chennai, Oct 6: More than two months after forming a new state-level selection committee to appoint members to Child Welfare Committees (CWCs), the Tamil Nadu government has left over 20 districts without fresh panels, raising concern among child rights activists and legal experts.
Fiji introduces new policy to address staff misconduct in schools
Suva, Sep 30: Fiji's Education Ministry is developing a comprehensive disciplinary policy to target staff misconduct, shortages and weak accountability.
Haryana panel orders probe after minor student punished at private school
Chandigarh, Sep 24: The Haryana Human Rights Commission has taken suo motu cognisance of a media report that highlighted the punishment of a Class 5 student in a private school in Sonipat district and ordered an inquiry.
Social media platforms required to deactivate accounts of under-16s under Australian ban
Canberra, Sep 16: Social media companies will be required to detect and deactivate accounts held by underage children when Australia's world-first under-16 ban comes into effect in December, the government revealed on Tuesday.
Gaza City has become 'city of fear, flight and funerals': UN official
United Nations, Sep 5: Gaza City, the last refuge for families in the northern Gaza Strip, is fast becoming a place where childhood cannot survive, Tess Ingram, UNICEF Communication Manager for the Middle East and North Africa Regional Office, said.
Australian govt to restrict access to abusive technologies
Canberra, Sep 2: The Australian government announced on Tuesday that it will move to restrict access to abusive technologies, including artificial intelligence (AI) tools capable of generating sexually explicit images.
Savitribai Phule National Institute of Women and Child Development launches its official website, strengthening digital governance
New Delhi, August 29: The Savitribai Phule National Institute of Women and Child Development (SPNIWCD) launched its official website at www.spniwcd.wcd.gov.in, marking an important step towards digitalising training and making learning materials and videos accessible on digital platforms.
Tripura CM inaugurates North Eastern Regional Convention on Child Rights in Agartala
Agartala August 28: Tripura Chief Minister Manik Saha on Thursday inaugurated the one-day North Eastern Regional Convention on Child Rights in Agartala.
Northeast region will emerge as model in child rights protection in India: Tripura CM
Agartala, Aug 28: Tripura Chief Minister Manik Saha said on Thursday that with coordinated efforts, the Northeastern region would emerge as a model in child rights protection in India.
'Akka Force' will be introduced across K'taka to prevent rape, child marriages: Laxmi Hebbalkar
Bengaluru, Aug 13: Karnataka Women and Child Welfare Minister Laxmi Hebbalkar on Wednesday said that 'Akka Force' will be deployed across the state to address issues concerning women, particularly to prevent rape, child pregnancies, and child marriages.
Kerala announces 'Suraksha Mithram' programme to protect children from abuse
Alappuzha, Aug 9: The Kerala Government on Saturday announced a comprehensive programme to detect and prevent abuse and violence against children, both at home and in society.
Bhuwan Ribhu becomes first Indian lawyer honoured by World Jurist Association
Jaipur, May 6: Marking a landmark moment for India on the global legal stage, eminent child rights lawyer Bhuwan Ribhu has become the first Indian to receive the ‘Medal of Honour’ from the World Jurist Association (WJA).
SC issues notice on plea to regulate explicit content on social media, OTT platforms
New Delhi, April 28: The Supreme Court on Monday agreed to examine a plea seeking directions to the government to take immediate and decisive action to regulate explicit content on social media and OTT platforms.
UN calls for urgent action to protect Iraqi children from landmine threats
Baghdad, April 5: The United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) and United Nations Mine Action Service (UNMAS) jointly called for immediate action to protect Iraqi children from the ongoing landmine threat.
SC declines PIL seeking restriction of social media platforms for kids below 13 years
New Delhi, April 4: The Supreme Court on Friday refused to entertain a public interest litigation (PIL) seeking urgent judicial intervention to regulate access to social media platforms for children below 13 years of age.
Arunachal govt extends scope of schemes for orphans, underprivileged
Itanagar, April 3: The Arunachal Pradesh government on Wednesday decided to extend the scope of the Chief Minister’s Bal Seva Scheme (CMBSS) and enhanced the pension under the Chief Minister’s Social Security Scheme (CMSSS), officials said.
Maharashtra Police and UNICEF unite to pioneer child-friendly policing framework
Mumbai, March 27: Maharashtra Police, in collaboration with UNICEF, has launched a comprehensive training program for Special Juvenile Police Units (SJPUs) in a bid to safeguard the rights and well-being of children.
Iceland's Education Minister resigns after admitting past relationship with teenager
Reykjavik, March 22: Iceland's Minister for Education and Children's Affairs, Asthildur Loa Thorsdottir, has stepped down from her role after revealing a past relationship with a 15-year-old boy she mentored over three decades ago, which resulted in the birth of a child.
754 fast track courts dispose over 3 lakh rape, POCSO cases in January: Centre
New Delhi, March 22: About 754 fast track courts (FTSCs) have disposed more than 3 lakh cases related to rape and Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) in January, said the government.
Emirati Children's Day celebrates efforts to provide children healthy, safe environment
Abu Dhabi, March 15: The UAE celebrates Emirati Children's Day on March 15 each year, reaffirming its dedication to building a bright future for the next generation. This occasion highlights the country's ongoing efforts to provide children a healthy and safe environment, ensuring their physical and psychological well-being.
Crime against women, children declines due to our Zero Tolerance Policy: MP CM Mohan Yadav
Bhopal, March 3: Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav participated in a state-level workshop organised by the state Child Rights Protection Commission at Kushabhau Thakre Auditorium (Minto Hall) in Bhopal on Monday and highlighted the state government's commitment to security, empowerment, and justice, which has effectively curbed criminal activities.
Child marriage attempt foiled in Maharashtra's Thane
Thane, Feb 26: An attempt to marry off a 16-year-old girl in Maharashtra's Thane district on Wednesday was foiled due to the timely intervention by the authorities, officials said on Wednesday.
Maha to implement Bal Raksha Abhiyan for protection of child rights
Mumbai, Feb 12: Maharashtra State Commission for Protection of Child Rights will implement 'Bal Raksha Abhiyan' (child protection campaign) for the protection of children's rights and a secure future while 'Bal Snehi Puraskar' will also be given, announced State Commission for Protection of Child Rights Chairperson Sushiben Shah here on Wednesday.
Ayushmann Khurrana shares tips on how children can stay safe on the internet
Mumbai, Feb 11: On the occasion of Safer Internet Day, Bollywood actor Ayushmann Khurrana has joined hands with UNICEF India to raise awareness about online safety.
Minor injected with unknown substance at Mumbai school, police launch probe
Mumbai, February 4: Mumbai Police have launched a probe following a complaint lodged by the parents of a minor girl, alleging that an unidentified man administered an injection to their daughter on school premises, officials said.
TN Governor approves Bills increasing punishments for crimes against women, children
Chennai, Jan 23: Tamil Nadu Governor R.N. Ravi has approved two landmark bills aimed at imposing stricter punishments for crimes against women and children.
NITI Aayog to provide education to kids in 73 dists; declare 15,000 villages 'child marriage free'
New Delhi, Jan 18: NITI Aayog and the Association for Voluntary Action (AVA) on Saturday announced collaboration to declare 15,000 villages in the country 'child marriage free' in one year. The collaboration aims to focus on the most vulnerable regions of India to protect, empower and educate children.
Do not use children in any form on stage; District Child Protection Unit in Ahmedabad issues to Coldplay ahead of concert
Chandigarh, January 4: The District Child Protection Unit in Ahmedabad has issued a notice to singer Chris Martin and the organisers of the Coldplay concert, instructing them not to use children in any form on stage during the concert scheduled to be held at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on January 25 and 26, 2025.