Children speak, families struggle in Andhra PradeshCEFR A2
14 Jan 2026
Adapted from Karuna kumari Kandregula, Global Voices • CC BY 3.0
Photo by Prithiviraj A, Unsplash
Field reporting in Andhra Pradesh took place between July 2023 and November 2024. Reporters visited several areas near Kakinada and ran community sessions with SafeTalks. They spoke informally with children, teachers, mothers and caregivers.
Many children now know about personal boundaries and the idea of good versus bad touch because of school programmes. But adults rarely received the same practical advice. A 2024 study in urban slums found adolescents could name abusive acts but did not know about the POCSO Act or where to seek help.
Families often worry about reputation, money and marriage prospects, and this can delay or prevent reporting. Formal routes like CHILDLINE 1098 and the National Commission's e-Box exist, but awareness is uneven.
Difficult words
- boundary — a personal limit about touch and spaceboundaries
- caregiver — an adult who looks after a childcaregivers
- adolescent — a young person between child and adultadolescents
- abusive — behaviour that hurts or scares another person
- reputation — how other people think about a person
- awareness — knowledge or understanding of a situation or fact
Tip: hover, focus or tap highlighted words in the article to see quick definitions while you read or listen.
Discussion questions
- Have you learned about personal boundaries at school or in your community? Give a short example.
- Why might adults need more practical advice about personal safety?
- What could help families feel safer to report problems in their area?
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