NEW DELHI: The National Commission for Protection of Child Rights has issued an advisory to the states to ensure that schools holding online classes are doing so only after taking adequate precautions and safety measures to protect children from cyber bullying and abuse. NCPCR chief Priyank Kanoongo in a letter to education departments of all states and union territories has listed out some necessary measures to be followed and cautioned that the onus of safety of all children during online classes is on the school authorities. It is also warned that neglecting the safety and security of children in any manner will attract strict action against the school under provisions of the Juvenile Justice Act.The NCPCR chief cites that there are several news reports that suggest that in order to provide online education to the children, schools are using various video communication platforms. It is shared that the NCPCR has been receiving complaints and representations raising concerns over use of technology platforms for providing online classes.Taking note of these concerns, in the letter to secretaries of education departments of states, NCPCR has made it clear that "under all circumstances the safety of children is of utmost importance and every action taken with regard to children should be carefully undertaken so as to prevent any kind of violation, abuse, harassment and should ensure that there is no threat to the well-being of the children.""In case the school or institution is conducting online classes using any such application/ social media platform, the responsibility to ensure safety of children in the digital space shall be of the school /institution. Also, the criteria for using a particular application for children should also be adhered to." It is emphasised that participation of children in virtual classrooms should be under parental supervision. For this, the schools/institutions should provide proper orientation to parents."The log-in IDs should not be made in the name of the students and the students should only be attending the online classes/interaction as a guest. The entire control of the virtual classroom should be with the teacher only so that to prevent them from falling prey to cyber bullying and abuse."