A Study to analyse of Teachers and Parents' Sensitivity towards Child Sexual Harassment and the POCSO Act

Background: Child sexual harassment (CSH) is a significant public health and legal challenge, particularly in developing countries. Effective prevention relies heavily on adult stakeholder awareness and protective actions. Objective: This study aimed to comparatively assess the sensitivity and legal awareness of teachers and parents in rural India regarding CSH and the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act of 2012. The Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB) was used to analyze the underlying factors influencing protective action. Methods: A quantitative assessment was conducted using a structured questionnaire administered to 100 teachers and 50 parents in the Ghazipur District, Uttar Pradesh. Sensitivity was operationalized across seven dimensions, including the recognition of non-contact CSH and legal knowledge. Data were analyzed using the chi-squared test and t-test. Ethical protocols ensured confidentiality and adherence to the mandatory reporting laws. Results: Significant differences were observed between the groups. Teachers demonstrated higher Perceived Behavioral Control (PBC), with 85% aware of reporting protocols compared to only 40% of parents (p=0.001). Parents exhibited a narrower attitude, with only 48% recognizing socioeconomic exploitation as CSH compared with 82% of teachers (p=0.001). Both groups shared a critical misconception, with over 60% viewing CSH as primarily a "girl-centric issue." Conclusion: This study revealed that the primary barriers to effective child protection are low PBC and a limited attitude, particularly among parents. Interventions must move beyond simple legal literacy to focus on building confidence in reporting mechanisms and challenging cultural misconceptions to ensure the gender-neutral application of the POCSO Act.