Nagaland’s first ‘My safety box’ for children launched in Tseminyu

DIMAPUR — In commemoration of Children’s Day, Nagaland’s first ‘My safety box’ for children was launched by the District Child Protection Unit (DCPU), Tseminyu, on November 14.

The flagship pilot was inaugurated by MLA Jwenga Seb and Japheth Woch, Deputy Commissioner (DC) of Tseminyu, at Jireh School, the DCPU Tseminyu stated in a press release.

In his speech, the DC stated that ‘My safety box’ initiative was pioneered by Neivotuonuo Rutsa, legal-cum-probation officer, DCPU Tseminyu, with a vision to move beyond post-incident responses and reinforce preventive measures for children’s safety.

Neivotuonuo Rutsa stated that the introduction of DCPU’s ‘My safety box’ marks a proactive, prevention-focused approach to child protection, designed for real-time monitoring of what is happening in the lives of children before problems escalate.

With the rising cases of bullying, child abuse and mental stress, many children are too scared to share their concerns, fears or experiences with parents, teachers, or peers, she said.

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The ‘My safety box’ initiative provides a safe, anonymous, and accessible way for them to speak up about issues such as bullying, sexual abuse, discrimination, neglect, or mistreatment without fear, shame, or hesitation, Rutsa added.

The modus operandi of the DCPU’s ‘My safety box’ is a cost-effective pilot model introduced in over ten schools in the first phase. Its effectiveness will be reviewed before expanding across the district.

Quarterly reviews will be conducted by the DCPU based on data compiled through the Child Helpline from all participating schools.

“This collaboration strengthens the proactive role of the Helpline, enabling early identification of risks and ensuring that children receive timely support and intervention.

“With this initiative, DCPU Tseminyu sets a new benchmark in child protection moving from a reactive system to one that listens, detects and protects before harm occurs,” the release stated.

“This initiative is the DCPU, Tseminyu’s special gift to children on the occasion of Children’s Day,” it added.