On 7 February 2025, The Missing Links Organization hosted a pivotal panel discussion and round table conference at The Grand Hotel, New Delhi, focusing on preventing child abuse and trafficking. The event included government officials, NGOs, legal experts, social workers, academics, and student representatives, including our student Sonakshi Sharma of Class XI. Discussions emphasised the 4C’s Framework: Children, Caregivers, Community, and Child Protection Ecosystem Stakeholders. The panel highlighted the essential role of educators as the first line of defence in child protection, stressing the importance of training teachers to respond sensitively to disclosures. The increasing risks children face online were also addressed, with a call for enhanced digital literacy. Sonakshi shared her experiences with online safety challenges, advocating for student-led initiatives to foster a supportive school environment. The conference underscored the need for multi-sectoral partnerships to create safer spaces for children.
