Mangaluru: Karnataka State Commission for Protection of Child Rights (KSCPCR) member K T Thippeswamy has expressed serious concern over the growing number of young offenders being booked under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (Pocso) Act, describing the trend as deeply alarming and reflective of broader social failures. Interacting with children during a programme in the city on Tuesday, he said recent observations from prisons across the state revealed disturbing patterns that require urgent attention from families, communities and authorities alike.
Thippeswamy said that during his visits to three prisons in Karnataka, he found that nearly 50% of the inmates lodged in connection with Pocso cases were below the age of 30. He described this as a “dangerous signal” for society, indicating a lack of awareness, weak protective mechanisms for children and growing exposure of youth to harmful influences.
Prison visits reveal worrying trends
During his recent visits to prisons in Ramanagar, Chitradurga and Uttara Kannada districts, Thippeswamy said he came across more than 100 inmates who were booked under the Pocso Act. A significant number of them were young adults, many of whom had limited understanding of the gravity of the offences they had committed and the long-term consequences of their actions.
He said these findings underline the need for preventive interventions at an early stage, including counselling, awareness programmes and strict monitoring of vulnerable environments where children and adolescents interact.
Abuse often by known persons
Thippeswamy highlighted that in a majority of the Pocso cases reported recently, the victims are girls who were abused by persons known to them. These include close relatives, neighbours, family friends and acquaintances.
“This is one of the most painful aspects of Pocso cases. The abuse often happens within spaces that children and families consider safe,” he said, stressing that families must be vigilant and encourage open communication with children.
He called for greater awareness among parents and guardians about recognising early signs of abuse and the importance of timely reporting to prevent prolonged exploitation.
Social media influence and underage pregnancies
The KSCPCR member also flagged the role of social media in the rising number of Pocso cases. He said police officers working on such cases believe that many incidents occur after victims come into contact with perpetrators through social media platforms.
“Children are getting connected to strangers and offenders through social media without understanding the risks involved,” he said, calling for responsible digital behaviour and closer supervision by parents and schools.
Citing recent data released through the Reproductive and Child Health (RCH) portal, Thippeswamy said around 26,000 underage pregnancies were recorded in the state. He described the figure as shocking and indicative of deeper issues related to sexual abuse, lack of awareness and poor access to counselling and reproductive health education.
Missing children and organised exploitation
Thippeswamy also raised concerns over cases of abandonment of newborn babies, kidnapping of children and their trafficking into prostitution and organ rackets. Referring to recently released data, he said around 14,000 children were reported missing in the state, and police are yet to trace about 1,000 of them.
He warned that organised criminal networks exploit vulnerable children and urged students to remain alert and report suspicious activities. “Children are also being misused by the begging mafia. If you come across children begging or being subjected to forced labour, report it to the authorities immediately,” he told the students.
Call to report social evils
Addressing students, Thippeswamy urged them to speak up against social evils such as child marriage, child labour and sexual abuse. He also encouraged them to bring to the notice of authorities issues like shortage of teachers, lack of basic amenities in schools and other violations of child rights.
He informed them that helplines such as 1098 (Child Helpline) and 112 can be used to report emergencies and child rights violations. “Your voice matters. Reporting early can save lives and futures,” he said.
Staff shortage in child welfare department
The KSCPCR member also pointed out the severe staff shortage in the women and child welfare department, stating that inadequate manpower affects timely intervention and follow-up in child protection cases. He said the commission has repeatedly highlighted this issue to the government and called for urgent recruitment to strengthen the system.
Children’s interaction programme
The observations were shared during a Children’s Interaction Programme organised by the Karnataka State Commission for Protection of Child Rights, Bengaluru, in collaboration with multiple agencies. These included the Directorate of Child Protection, district administration, zilla panchayat, Dakshina Kannada District Legal Services Authority, department of women and child development, department of school education and literacy, Child Helpline, District Child Protection Unit and other related departments.
Thippeswamy inaugurated the programme and interacted with students from 14 schools. Officials from various departments explained the services available for the protection of child rights, and students were encouraged to ask questions and share concerns.
Need for collective responsibility
In conclusion, Thippeswamy said the rising number of Pocso cases involving young offenders is a collective failure that demands a coordinated response. He stressed the importance of stronger child protection mechanisms, responsible use of technology, proactive parenting and community vigilance.
“Protecting children is not the responsibility of one department alone. It requires the active involvement of families, schools, communities and the state,” he said, adding that awareness and early intervention remain the most effective tools to prevent such crimes.