𝐏𝐚𝐫𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐬 𝐒𝐩𝐞𝐚𝐤 𝐎𝐮𝐭 𝐨𝐧 𝐆𝐫𝐨𝐰𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐓𝐡𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐭𝐬 𝐭𝐨 𝐂𝐡𝐢𝐥𝐝𝐫𝐞𝐧’𝐬 𝐒𝐚𝐟𝐞𝐭𝐲

…𝒄𝒉𝒊𝒍𝒅𝒓𝒆𝒏 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒂𝒅𝒐𝒍𝒆𝒔𝒄𝒆𝒏𝒕𝒔 𝒓𝒆𝒎𝒂𝒊𝒏 𝒗𝒖𝒍𝒏𝒆𝒓𝒂𝒃𝒍𝒆 𝒂𝒔 𝒑𝒂𝒓𝒆𝒏𝒕𝒔, 𝒔𝒄𝒉𝒐𝒐𝒍𝒔, 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒂𝒖𝒕𝒉𝒐𝒓𝒊𝒕𝒊𝒆𝒔 𝒑𝒖𝒔𝒉 𝒇𝒐𝒓 𝒔𝒕𝒓𝒐𝒏𝒈𝒆𝒓 𝒑𝒓𝒆𝒗𝒆𝒏𝒕𝒊𝒗𝒆 𝒎𝒆𝒂𝒔𝒖𝒓𝒆𝒔

By Kinzang Lhamo

Between 2020 and 2024, Bhutan recorded 171 cases of sexual exploitation and abuse against children and adolescents, according to the Royal Bhutan Police. Despite ongoing efforts to strengthen child protection systems, the persistence of such cases highlights vulnerabilities and the need for stronger preventive and response measures.
Even with legal and policy frameworks in place, children and adolescents remain highly exposed to exploitation. The Child Care and Protection Act of 2011 safeguards individuals under 18, while the National Youth Policy of Bhutan (2010) provides protection for those aged 18 to 24 from abuse and harassment.
Parents say today’s young people face dangers rarely encountered by earlier generations. Many point to the rapid rise of digital platforms, changing urban lifestyles, and weakening traditional support systems.
“Increased engagement with social media and technology has made children and teenagers far more exposed to exploitation than before,” said Dechen Norbu from Wangduephodrang. “In the past, young people were less exposed to such environments, but today the risks are everywhere.”
The shift from rural to urban settings adds another layer of concern. “I always advise my sister to be cautious when she travels because young people are easily influenced. It is not only girls who face these risks; boys are also being exploited in different ways,” he added.
For many parents, anxiety extends even to everyday routines. “We send our children to school and believe they are safe, but now I find myself worrying even when they are just walking to class. No parent should live with that kind of fear,” said Sonam Tshomo, a mother of two. “Our children are our future. If they lose their innocence to abuse, we all lose something as a nation.”
Families are taking proactive steps to educate their children about personal safety. “I tell my daughter that no one should touch the parts of her body covered by clothes. If someone does, she must say no and tell me immediately,” said Tenzin Wangmo, a mother.
Ngawang Gyeltshen, another parent, explained his approach in simple terms: “‘Good touch’ is when someone hugs you with love or holds your hand to protect you, but ‘bad touch’ is when someone makes you feel uncomfortable or scared. Even if the person is family, it is not okay.”
Parents emphasize that preventive strategies must adapt to modern threats. Children face risks not only in physical spaces but also online, where exploitation is especially difficult to detect. Strengthening education on safe relationships, responsible social media use, and access to support services is essential. Communities also play a role: parents need guidance on monitoring their children, schools must integrate protection into teaching, and neighborhoods should create safe spaces for early intervention. Strong coordination between law enforcement, social services, and civil society organizations is critical for an effective child protection system.
The sense of insecurity is not limited to younger children. “I often feel anxious when my children go out and return late because nowadays the world does not feel safe for anyone, not even at home. My children are active on social media, and I worry they might come across harmful content. That is why I always make it a point to guide and advise them,” said Karma Choden, a mother from Thimphu. “Sometimes it feels like nowhere is truly secure anymore.”
Government institutions, including the National Commission for Women and Children and specialized units of the Royal Bhutan Police, continue to strengthen enforcement and support services. While laws provide clear protections for children under 18, older youth are encouraged to remain aware of safeguards and seek support if needed, as social pressures sometimes prevent them from speaking up.
Despite the challenges, families and communities believe change is possible. “With awareness, guidance, and early education, we can equip our children to recognize risks and protect themselves,” said Ngawang Gyeltshen. Schools, families, and communities are already taking steps, from teaching children about safe and unsafe touches to integrating child protection lessons into classrooms.
While official cases have slightly declined, safeguarding young people requires shared responsibility and constant vigilance. Progress is possible when families, schools, law enforcement, and society work together. By empowering children with knowledge, reinforcing protective laws, and fostering supportive communities, Bhutan can ensure that its younger generations grow up safe, confident, and resilient.