Today marks the observance of the National Day Against Child Abuse, a day dedicated to raising awareness about child abuse, advocating for the protection of children's rights, and promoting the creation of a safe, child-friendly environment for all.
Dr. Rumi Ruben, a Specialist Psychiatrist at the Karapitiya Teaching Hospital, highlighted concerning new trends during his address on the significance of this day. He revealed that a growing number of children visiting child psychiatric clinics are showing signs of excessive tobacco-related product use. This alarming rise in substance use among minors is a worrying indicator of the challenges children face in their daily lives.
Dr. Ruben emphasized the critical role that parents and teachers play in the well-being of children, urging them to remain vigilant and take necessary precautions to prevent their children from falling into unhealthy habits. He also called for increased awareness and education on the dangers of tobacco use to help protect the younger generation from harm.
An online platform was launched on enabling the swift removal of websites, photos, and videos containing or potentially containing instances of child sexual abuse.
Implemented by the National Child Protection Authority (NCPA) in collaboration with the Internet Watch Foundation (IWF), renowned for its expertise in internet child safety enforcement, this program receives financial support from Save the Children and Child Fund.
Anyone can now visit the website of the National Child Protection Authority at www.childprotection.gov.lk to report incidents of indecent photos and videos of children exchanged online or call hotlineof the National Child Protection Authority.
The observance of the National Day Against Child Abuse is an opportunity to reflect on the importance of safeguarding children from both physical and emotional harm and ensuring their access to a healthy and supportive environment for growth.
