‘Talking Doll’ to Help Children Learn About Safe and Unsafe Touch

WARANGAL: Mulugu District Collector Borkhade Hemant Sahadeorao on Monday launched a ‘talking doll’ designed to help children easily understand the difference between good touch and bad touch. The doll was unveiled at the Collector’s office.

Officials from the Child Protection Department demonstrated the doll’s functioning. When a person touches the designated parts of the doll’s body, it explains whether the touch is safe or unsafe. The Collector appreciated the initiative, saying that the doll would be highly useful in creating safety awareness among children.

Collector’s Directions

Addressing the officials, the Collector said that creating awareness among children about their personal safety was essential. He directed them to use the talking doll extensively in awareness programmes conducted in schools.

He said children should be encouraged to speak fearlessly to their parents and teachers if they experience an uncomfortable touch or harassment. He also asked officials to conduct regular awareness programmes on child rights, child protection, and prevention of child marriages.

Two Dolls Arranged

Officials said two talking dolls were arranged under the Mission Vatsalya scheme, following directions from the District Collector, District Legal Services Authority, and the District Judge. One doll will be handed over to the District Court, while the other will be installed at Bala Raksha Bhavan.

The Child Protection Department will use the dolls in schools and other awareness programmes. Officials said the dolls would help explain issues such as good and bad touch, sexual harassment, and prevention of child marriages in a manner easily understood by children.

District Women and Child Welfare Officer Premlatha, District Child Protection Officer Omkar, Protection Officer Harikrishna, Social Coordinator Suman, Senior Assistant Shankar, and others attended the programme.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

KOTHA RAMESH

[email protected]