NCPA Issues Guidelines for Teachers to Support Children During Emergency Disaster Situations

COLOMBO (News1st): The National Child Protection Authority (NCPA) has taken steps to issue a set of guidelines for teachers on supporting children during emergency disaster situations.

This is being implemented under the National Child Protection Authority Act No. 50 of 1998.

The NCPA stated that these guidelines have been outlined into two categories as recommended and restricted practices for teachers supporting children during emergencies.

Among those guidelines, teachers are encouraged to:

Treat children equally.

Listen to the children’s concerns.

Ensure the school remains a place where children feel safe and protected.

Prohibited Actions include;

To avoid making children relive traumatic experiences.

Not discriminate against children affected by disasters.

Refrain from discussing affected children in staff rooms or other public areas within the school.

The Authority further highlighted that the 1929 hotline is available for reporting issues related to child protection, while the 1926 hotline has been introduced to address and study children's mental health needs.