Adolescence is derived from Latin adolescere, which means ‘to mature`. It is a transitional stage of physical and psychological development that generally occurs during the period from puberty to adulthood typically corresponding to the age of majority. Adolescence is usually associated with the teenage years; Early adolescence occurs between 10-14 years of age, Middle adolescence occurs between 15-17 years of age and Late adolescence continues from age 18 to adulthood.
Adolescence is a period of life where children are neither small nor big. The mental and physical changes that take place at this age cause a lot of thoughts and questions in the minds of children. Some of them are involved in harassment, it may be sexual abuse, and also murder. A total of 32,235 cases have been registered against Juveniles during 2019, depicting a small increase of 2.0% over 2018 (31,591 cases).
In the last few months, there has been a rise in the cases related to sexual harassment of minor girls, and in some of the cases accused involved are minors in many parts of the country. In June, a minor girl committed suicide in Kalyan after eight youth including some college students sexually abused her for the last four years. This type is being observed in several places, some are coming to light, while many have not been reported due to fear of the family concerned.
Taking the same issue, the Indian Medical Association (IMA)- Kalyan organized an awareness program entitled `On the threshold of youth`. The program was held on Sunday, 3rd July 2022 at Acharya Atre Rangmandir hall in Kalyan. The program was attended by over 800 students in the age group of 15 to 17 years from different schools and colleges in Kalyan. During the awareness program, several experts discuss topics such as - Normal genital anatomy, physiological hormonal changes, emotional up-downs, emotional stability, parents are best friends, sexuality queries of teenage, friendships, love relationships, no sex, law to protect against child abuse (POCSO Act 2012), Teenage is to study, select the career and be a better and responsible citizen of India.
Before the implementation of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act, 2012, the Goa Children’s Act, 2003, was the only specific piece of child abuse legislation. Child sexual abuse was prosecuted under the Indian Penal Code. If an attempt of sexual assault/offense/ harassment happens against a child male or female under the age of 18 years, then such cases are filed under POCSO Act, 2012. This law protects children from sexual assault, sexual harassment, and the use of pornographic material for the purpose of a sexual offense against children.
During the program, Chirag Garud, Abhiraj Kulkarni, Tejas Sable, Pratiksha Deshmukh, and Arya Bhatkhande portrayed the mental condition of the boys and girls in a play directed by Sameer Limaye. During the program, Birla College principal Dr Naresh Chandra, K.C. Gandhi School`s Ashok Pradhan IMA President Dr. Prashant Patil, and other office-bearers were also present.
Edu news applauds the efforts of the IMA officials for conducting the program, which will surely make the children understand the consequences of the sexual abuse committed by the adolescents. Further, the media urge the IMA Karnataka chapter to organize awareness programs in every district, later on to taluks and Panchayat level.