My Ninth Safety Workbook

10 life skills as per World Health Organisation (WHO)

Contents Self-awareness & Empathy; Critical thinking &

Creative thinking; Decision making & Problem
Solving; Effective communication & Interpersonal
relationship; Coping with stress & Emotions

1. Introduction
Say Hello! | 1
A Poem | 3
2. Self-Esteem
It Feels Good to Be Me | 4

3. Feelings
Pay Attention to Your Feelings | 8 4. Body Ownership
In Pursuit of Happiness | 10 To Sir, With Love | 13

5. Child Rights
Point of View of the Universe | 17

6. Gender Equality
Men Are From Mars, Women Are
From Venus. Oh Really? | 22
Comedy of Genders | 26

7. Being Confident
Sometimes Saying No Is Important | 28
Eyes Can Talk Too | 31
Right Body Language | 33
8. Bullying
9. Secrets
Bullying Is a Bane | 34
Secrets, Surprises and Gifts | 44
Triple Filter Test | 43

10. It Is Not Your Fault 11. Scared

It Is Not Your Fault | 46 It Is Okay to Be Scared | 47

12. Choosing 13. Growing Up

How to Choose Well | 48 A Friend In Need Is a
Friend Indeed | 53
Good Friends Are for Keeps, but | 50
The Two Boxes, Yes
Have Mercy on Me | 52 and No | 56
Romeo and Juliet | 58

14. Safety
15. Emergencies
8-Step Safety Rule | 62
Dealing With Emergencies | 65
What Is Self-Defence? | 63
Laws Are for Everyone’s Safety | 67

School safety policy and bibliography | 69

QR code-based resources for parents, teachers and non-teaching/support staff in English, Hindi and regional
languages on the last detachable page. The children’s activities/ questions have been classified as personal
(in green colour) and general, depending upon whether they relate to a child's personal behaviour,
feelings, opinions, incidents, values, relationships and medical conditions or not.
 1. Introduction
Say Hello! know very well that with independence comes
responsibilities and growing up also means
Sana and Arpit
learning about responsibilities. Unlike when
are both children.
they were younger, they now like to spend more
They are children
time with their friends rather than their loved
because people
ones - parents and grandparents. Sana and
below the age of
Arpit often disagree with their advice about the
18 years are
kind of dresses they should wear, the kind of
defined as
friends they should have, the kind of movies
children, and
they should watch, etc.
those above 18
years as adults. (This definition comes from There is a generation gap between their loved
medical science, the law of the land, and the ones and them. There was, is and always will be
United Nations Convention for Child Rights.) a generation gap between parents and their
They are in their early teens and are good children because adults and children think
friends. As part of their school's community and behave differently. But who can deny the
outreach, every Saturday turn-wise, they, fact that parents have much more experience
along with their classmates and teachers, go to in life than children and that they do their best
a nearby Anganwadi centre to teach children to keep their children happy, healthy and safe?
and assist the Anganwadi workers. Sana is After all, they are our loved and trusted ones,
known for her extraordinary football talent in and they too were children at some point of
the entire school and has won many medals. time. Children should also do their best to
Arpit is famous for his dancing skills. He too make their loved ones proud. Parents of Sana
has won many accolades and just like Sana, and Arpit, like everyone else’s parents, are
made everyone proud. Nature is responsible for quite busy, but they still manage to spend time
how they look, but they can work upon and with them. Sana and Arpit, are often together
improve their skills with practice, sincerity and with their parents and grandparents, at the
guidance. And so they do! It is their skills and dinner table, sharing their experiences.
their qualities like courtesy, humour, patience
among others, that makes them likeable in Researchers and popular media, by and
their peer group. large, categorise people in terms of their date
of birth and their understanding and usage of
They have known each other since they were in digital technology. Baby Boomers: They were
kindergarten. They live in the same born between 1946 and 1964. Gen X: 1965
neighbourhood and go to the same school. and 1979/80, Gen Y or Millennials: 1981 and
Pocso, their tiger friend, spends time with them 1994/6. Gen Z: It is the newest generation to
and helps them and other children stay safe as be named and were born between 1997 and
they go through the most exciting and 2012/15.
confusing phase of their lives called
adolescence. Their science teacher, Hina ma’am, has
explained to them that they are living in a time
As they are growing, their bodies, minds, and where science and technology are changing the
behaviour are also changing, and they are lifestyles and the basic fabric of human society
becoming more and more independent. They at a superfast pace. Families are becoming

Any person below the age of 18 years is a child/minor, in the age group of 15 to
1 24 or 34 years is a youth and in the age group of 13 to 19 years is a teenager.
nuclear. Women also work to earn their B. Write the generations to which your
livelihood. There are test tube babies and many parents, grandparents, class teacher
other significant changes in the way people live and principal belong.
now. Sana and Arpit often mesmerise their
grandparents by telling them about the ____________________________________________
wonders of technology in the 21st century ____________________________________________
which include smartphones, robots and
artificial intelligence. Recently, they have ____________________________________________
learnt in their school how the human body
works and how babies are born. Learning Adrenaline rush: Various situations that
about the human reproductive system has cause fear, anxiety, stress or excitement
helped them to take better care of their bodies create a response mechanism in us. This
and be healthy and safe. Like any other mechanism creates an immediate and big
teenager, both of them like making new friends, impact. The impact stays for at least an hour
but friendships and relationships are never one after the situation has been resolved. The
sided. Friendship is no doubt fun, but they are mechanism is quite easily triggered in
careful when it comes to choosing friends. adolescents, and the response produced is
also quite fast. Adrenal glands trigger this
This is how Sana and Arpit feel as teenagers:
mechanism by pouring the hormone
a. When others don't understand me, I lose my
adrenaline (adrenaline rush) into the
temper.
bloodstream. Within a few minutes, the
b. As I am growing, I can notice some new hormone orchestrates a rush of signals to
changes in my body which make me feel vital organs like the heart, muscles and the
uncomfortable. brain. The heart rate goes up, blood pressure
c. I sometimes feel confused about things, and increases, pupils enlarge, and there is an
don't know whom to talk to. increase in the supply of blood to vital organs.
d. At times, I wish I looked more attractive – The metabolism also gears up and increases
thinner, taller or better than I do now. the glucose (energy) levels in the bloodstream.
The extra energy is to perform to the fullest
e. I sometimes find it difficult to say no to my
against the stressful situation, for example,
friends, even if I don’t agree with them.
running away when attacked by a lion.
f. Sometimes, I feel pressured to do things Adolescents are no longer running away from
because my friends/peers are doing them. lions. However, they are under stress; while
g. It feels nice to dress up and be playing video games, from their peers, due to
complimented on how I look. examinations and at times due to conflict with
h. I am influenced by television, movies, their parents and teachers. The adrenaline
celebrities and advertisements. rush is designed to give us the energy to run
away from the stress. If this stress is not
A. Tick mark the above items you can relate
released out, our body will have all of this
with.
extra energy with no place to go. The extra
If you also feel the same, it is energy can lead to anxiety and irritability,
perfectly normal. It happens thus affecting our mental health. It is
with all the children when
1 they are adolescents.
constructive for adolescents to be involved in
outdoor activities, sports, exercises and yoga.

Be careful about the friends you keep because a

person is known by the company she/he keeps. 2
 A Poem
Your body is constantly changing, and I’m sure that’s not breaking news,
It’s a whole lot to deal with – so sit back, relax and grab some tissues.
A 13 year old boy is afraid of his skinny arms and body so frail,
He wonders if he can’t be muscular or tall, is he even a male?
Little girls growing up, when they look at their Barbies -
They wonder when and what went wrong with their own bodies?
They look in awe at the striking models on the runway,
But it’s their own reflection from which they run away.
I used to watch girls in my school walking by,
Those perfect arms and skinny waists would catch my eye,
Then I would look down at my big, fat thighs,
And realize that I’m surrounded by big, fat lies.

Billboard girls, front cover,Photoshopped bodies on magazines:

Are “perfect” but, show me something that I haven’t seen.
Some stretch marks, or scars on your colourful skin,
Freckles that are fierce, maybe a double chin.

I was thirteen once and so in rage,

At my body being uglier than those of my age.
I was fifteen next and two years later,
I looked at the girl in the mirror and did not hate her.
I repeated the words everyday:
“I might be flawed but I’m beautiful in every way!”
Sixteen and free, I tell my peers -
Your silver lining is just beyond your fears.
I’m seventeen now and quite afraid for our inquisitive youth,
Growing into a world where stereotypes are more compelling than the truth.
Being a teenager can be difficult and trying,
2
Be honest, express yourself and stop shying. Poem by: Ria Mehta,
Class XII, Army Public
True beauty lies, not in the eyes of the beholder, School, Dhaula Kuan,
But in the heart of the one who truly wishes to accept her. Delhi (2019-2020)

Write a suitable title for the poem.

_____________________________________________________________________________________________

3
 3. Feelings
Pay Attention to
Your Feelings
It was a lazy sunny afternoon on a Sunday
during winters. Everyone was relaxing, even
the animals and birds. The children and adults
had all gathered in the colony’s park to soak up
the sunlight and have the sunshine vitamin.

The natural way of getting vitamin D is

through sunlight. Your body must have
vitamin D to absorb calcium and promote
bone growth. It is good for our teeth and
immune system. Too little vitamin D results
in soft bones in children (Rickets) and fragile,
misshapen bones in adults (Osteomalacia).
Arpit said, “Pay attention? What do you mean
Sana, Pocso, Arpit and the others were chatting by that? It is almost impossible to ignore our
in the park, while some others were strolling feelings. Look at Ganesh. He can’t get over
around. Raju and Ganesh had been having an feeling angry and insulted at Raju's rude
argument about something, and some of the behaviour even though he agrees that he likes
children were trying to calm them down. and can spend time with enough number of
people apart from Raju."
“What does he think of himself?” asked Ganesh
“He’s rude when he feels like it, and nice when Pocso said, “I mean that we should pay
he wants to be. It’s bad manners, and insulting attention to what we feel when we are with
to others to behave this way.” different people and in various situations. At
times, we must negotiate with our feelings
Sana and Arpit told him not to pay so much before we act upon them.”
attention to Raju’s behaviour. After all, Ganesh
could spend time with so many other people. Ganesh said, “I’m angry, and I want to shout
even more at Raju. Should I do it?”
Pocso said, “But it’s not easy to ignore one’s
emotions. Do you know that babies have Pocso asked, "Will shouting at Raju help? If you
feelings even before they can speak? Before shout at him more, you may feel better for a
they can even understand language? Feelings moment, but do you think Raju will be quiet?
are part of what makes us human, and they are He will shout back, which will make you more
instinctive. So it is very difficult to ignore them. angry. There is no end to this vicious cycle. This
In fact, it can be outright dangerous to ignore is where your mind comes in. You may feel like
one’s feelings. Our feelings are one of the ways shouting, but you know no good result will
in which our body alerts us that something is come from it. Should you still do it? But
going on. We should pay attention to our remember, there are many situations where
feelings.” your reactions based on your feelings keep you

8
 safe. For example, if someone
tries to touch your private Emotional quotient (EQ) is the measure of
parts, you will feel one's emotional intelligence. Empathy
uncomfortable, sad, angry or relates to an individual connecting their
scary. This discomfort will personal experiences with those of others.
make you want to stay away It is an essential ingredient for a strong EQ;
from them or react instantly. the others being self-awareness, self-
This keeps you safe. You regulation, motivation and social skills.
see!" Emotional intelligence can also be summed
up as the capacity to be aware of, control,
All of them started thinking and express one's emotions, and to handle
about how their emotions interpersonal relationships judiciously and
had kept them safe. empathetically.

Have you ever been in a situation like Ganesh has? Did you react like
him? Can you give one example of when your emotions kept you safe?
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Feelings are my friends. They help me

9 know what is safe and unsafe for me.
 In Pursuit of Happiness

A lion in a jungle: When we accidentally touch

something hot or cold, our hand or finger
instinctively, automatically or in a reflex
withdraws itself. We do not have to think about
A lion in a circus: While writing stories or withdrawing it. Emotions are instinctive too.
telling tales, we often use the words “emotions” We have no control over them. They are related
and “feelings” as if they mean the same but they to our immediate survival. For example, when
are not. Psychologically speaking, they are we meet a roaring tiger, not in a circus or a zoo
quite different, but at times it becomes difficult but, deep in a jungle where somehow we got
to differentiate between them. We all are born lost, we will be filled with fear and we will run.
with a brain that has the same set of emotions After all, our ancestors in the jungles did not
wired into it, but we acquire feelings with time survive by negotiating with the lions
as we grow up, just like we learn languages (predators). Those who did not run did not
from our surroundings. Feelings are reactions survive, and today we all are the successors of
to emotions. Psychologists have defined about those who survived. Unlike emotions, feelings
a dozen core emotions like joy, anger, disgust, are not instinctive, and we can control them.
surprise, fear, etc., that are associated with our Since we can control how we feel, we can also
brain. control our actions based on our feelings.
Actions can be safe or unsafe, healthy or
In contrast, there are thousands of feelings like
unhealthy, and they can have consequences
happiness, panic, peaceful, energetic, etc., that
that can be short or long term. We have to learn
occur in our mind as we go on living our lives.
to express as well as control our feelings
Feelings are connected to our mind, whereas
appropriately. Feelings are learned behaviours
emotions are associated with our brain.
that are usually in hibernation until triggered
Feelings are personal and stored as memories
by an external event.
in our brains. Unlike emotions, feelings are
difficult to understand at times. Feelings A. Do you think our
always follow emotions but the kind of feelings ancestors were cowards 5
vary from person to person and situation to because they ran away
situation. They are shaped by individual when predators attacked
experiences, beliefs, values, upbringing them?
(conditioning) and various other factors. For
example, in a circus, we see a roaring tiger __________________________
performing under a ringmaster. Our emotion
should be of fear, but instead we may feel
admiration for the majestic lion or even pity if
we are a wildlife conservationist.

10
 C. Do you think the farmer is really happy
after having the medicine? Why do you
think so?

___________________________________________

___________________________________________

Measuring happiness: Unlike happiness (a ___________________________________________

feeling), joy (an emotion) involves little cognitive ___________________________________________
awareness. We feel joy without consciously
deciding to and it is long-lasting. While ___________________________________________
happiness is usually induced by and
___________________________________________
dependent on external conditions, joy is
something we experience more deeply. Joy is a D. Drinking alcohol or smoking drugs like
state of being that is not necessarily tied to cannabis makes us feel happy by altering
external situations. While happiness is a state our hormone levels in one way or the other.
of mind based on circumstances, joy is an Do you think they really make us happy?
internal feeling that disregards circumstances.
____________________
To understand happiness, let us do a thought
experiment. Imagine, we take an image (CT A tricky world called advertisements: Most
scan) of the brain of a poor farmer who is advertisements or ads for various items or
unhappy. She is unhappy because she is poor products like junk food, cars, motorbikes,
and to make matters worse, she has lost all her clothes, etc., that we see or read in newspapers,
crop to bad monsoon. Her CT scan records her magazines, TV, internet, etc., try to exploit or
brain's electric, magnetic and chemical manipulate our feelings. These products are
signatures in the form of a sine wave, i.e. sold based on how they would make us feel
valleys and peaks. It shows 8 valleys and 2 rather than their utility or productivity values.
peaks. We compare it with that of a happy The visuals (images or videos) in the ads also
person who is rich and has just won an have people or actors emoting or performing to
enormous amount of money in a lottery. She the script to convince us that we will feel the
has 10 peaks and 0 valleys. same as they do. Most ads deceive us by playing
tricks on our feelings. For example, ads for junk
B. Do you think that just like blood pressure, foods tell us that we will feel good or happy if we
pulse rate and temperature, we can also eat them and the more we eat, the happier we
measure happiness? feel. However, they do not tell us the nutrition
_____________________ value of the food item being sold to us. It is the
nutritious value of the food that keeps our body
The chemistry of happiness: Now, a healthy. How can we be happy if we do not have
psychiatrist administers medicine that has a healthy body? Ads also use statistics, a
dopamine in it to the poor unhappy farmer. branch of maths, to deceive us.
Soon, she begins to feel good, and after a few
more doses, she feels happy. Dopamine, just E. Analyse the statements of an advertiser
like adrenaline, is a hormone produced by the trying to sell an item - Bed: Most people (> 99%)
organs of our body. It keeps us motivated and die in beds and only very few (<1%) on roads
makes us feel good among other functions, (road accidents). Beds are the most dangerous
provided it exists in the right quantity in our places so use this particular bed. It has many
body. safety features. What is wrong with the
underlined statement in the ad?
11
___________________________________________ that makes happiness. | The real secret of
happiness lies in taking a genuine interest in all
___________________________________________ the details of daily life. | People should find
___________________________________________ happiness in the little things, like family and
friends. | There is no happiness like that of
___________________________________________ being loved by your fellow creatures, and feeling
that your presence is an addition to their
___________________________________________
comfort. | Happiness is not something
___________________________________________ readymade. It comes from your own actions. |
Happiness cannot be traveled to, owned,
The Consumer Protection Act, 2019 and the earned, worn or consumed. Happiness is the
National consumer helplines 1800114000
spiritual experience of living every minute with
or 14404 protect and strengthens the rights of
love, grace, and gratitude.
the consumers.
H. We all are in pursuit of happiness. What
F. Discuss some ads with your classmates.
Try to figure out the tricks in them. Write makes you happy? Share it with your
down the tricks that you and your friends, the three musketeers.
classmates could identify. ___________________________________________

___________________________________________ ___________________________________________

___________________________________________ ___________________________________________

___________________________________________ ___________________________________________

___________________________________________ ___________________________________________

___________________________________________ ___________________________________________

___________________________________________ ___________________________________________

___________________________________________ ___________________________________________

___________________________________________ ___________________________________________

___________________________________________ I. What do you think 'Beauty lies in the eyes

of the beholder' means?
___________________________________________
____________________________________________
___________________________________________
____________________________________________
___________________________________________
____________________________________________
___________________________________________
____________________________________________
___________________________________________
____________________________________________
G. Here are a few sayings about happiness.
Underline 3 sayings that you think are most ___________________________
appropriate. ___________________________
Happiness is a direction, not a place. | Suggested viewing: Movie
Happiness depends upon ourselves. | It is not ‘Inside Out’ by Disney and
how much we have, but how much we enjoy, Pixar (runtime 94 minutes)
12
 4. Body Ownership
To Sir, With Love
“Good morning ma’am,” the children wished as
principal ma’am walked into the classroom,
escorting a man with vision impairment. “Good
morning, students. Please sit down,” the
principal replied and the children took their
seats. “I want to introduce you to someone
today,” she said and the man faced the class.
“Everyone, this is Imran sir. He is your new
English teacher. As you all know, Rohini
ma'am is in the family way*. She is on leave
and at times, will work from home. So, Imran
sir will be taking your English classes for a
while, until she comes back. I hope you will get
yourselves acquainted with him as he will with
you.” The students answered “Yes, ma’am” in a
“Yes, sir.” Imran sir explained, “Well, I
sing-song voice and with that, she left the
read the alphabets and numbers by
room.
touching them. There is a written
*The Maternity Benefit (Amendment) Act, language called Braille. It is a
2017 protects the employment of women writing system that consists of
during the time of their maternity and characters that have rectangular blocks called
entitles them to maternity benefits. cells. These cells have tiny bumps called raised
dots. These raised dots form patterns that
The students’ attention shifted to the new
represent the alphabets, which I can feel and
teacher, Imran sir, and they waited for him to
with the help of which, I can read." All of the
speak. After folding his white cane and tucking
students peered attentively at their teacher. He
it into his bag, he introduced himself
continued, “The Braille system was created by
confidently, “Hello students. My name is Imran
a man called Louis Braille, who lost his sight as
Ahmad. Since today is the first day, I want to
a result of a childhood accident. He originally
get to know you. Now, can anyone tell me how
developed a code for the French alphabet in
many students are there in your class?” Pocso,
1824. Later on, the Braille system for other
the class monitor, answered, “There are 45
languages was introduced. Did you know that
students in the class, sir.” “Okay,” Imran sir
we learn the language in a similar way that you
said. “Now from the back, can each one of you
learn the alphabets? Using the
tell me your name and one thing you like doing
Braille system, I studied
the most?” After the small introduction session
literature. And I also have
he said, "Well, let’s do something now, alright?
higher linguistic intelligence.
Everyone, I want you to imagine that you have
But nowadays, the use of
been blindfolded. Now when that happens, if
Braille has decreased,
your friend traces out an alphabet in your palm
thanks to screen reader
with their finger, would you be able to make out
softwares.”
that alphabet?” Every one tried it and said,

We should be aware of our

13 and other’s feelings.
 Braille Alphabet
A B C D E F G Here is a book for you to read. It is by
Helen Keller and is her
autobiography. She was an American
6
author, a political activist, and a
H I J K L M N lecturer. She was a deaf-blind person.
In order to read it you will first have
to decode its title. Here is the
O P Q R S T U primer for decoding it.
THE ???? ? OF ? ? ????
211 2211 1 11 11 1211
V W X Y Z Braille Cell 325 3 3 32 3 32 33 2425
1 4
2 5
45 4 4 53 4 54 44 3 4
3 6 5 5 55 5
6 6
Kajal, the chess champion asked, “Excuse me,
sir. Could you explain what a screen reader
software is?” Imran sir was happy to clear the as the Paralympics
doubt and said, "To put it simply, it is a form of or Paralympic
assistive technology that helps people who are games. Well, if you
visually impaired, illiterate or have a learning haven’t, it is an
disability. It works through non-visual means. international
The most common one would be through the multi-sport event
text-to-speech method.” The new teacher for athletes with
continued to talk more about disabilities. He disabilities. In
said, “Did you know there is a law which helps 2016 at the Rio de Janeiro Summer Paralympic
and assists people with disabilities? Of course, games, India was privileged to be represented
the laws of the constitution apply to us too. by the hardworking Mariyappan Thangavelu in
But, there is an Act called the Rights of Persons the men’s high jump category. He won a gold
with Disabilities Act of 2016 in India. It comes medal. There are personalities like Arunima
under one of UN’s international human rights Sinha of India (the first female amputee to scale
treaty called the Convention on the Rights of Mount Everest in 2014), Erik Weihenmayer (the
Persons with Disabilities. This act includes first person with vision impairment to reach the
definitions of disabilities based on a dynamic summit of Mount Everest in 2001) and many
and evolving concept. It also increased the others who have accomplished extraordinary
types of disabilities from the original 7 to 21 tasks in spite of being differently abled.
including rights for acid attack victims, speech People with disabilities are being more
and language disability, and specific learning accurately represented even in movies and TV
disabilities. Thanks to this right, we are shows nowadays. Some people get surgery to
ensured inclusive education (some even free) replace their deformed body parts. This
and reservation in higher education happens through prosthetics and the donation
institutions, government jobs, allocation of of organs, which is overseen by the legislation
land, poverty alleviation schemes, etc. I’m sure called Transplantation of Human Organ Act
you must have come across something known (THO) of 1994 in India.

We all are different. It is okay to be different.

Being different doesn't mean being unequal. 14
More common organ transplants include liver, 1. Physical: These are actions done on purpose
heart, lungs and pancreas but people can also to physically hurt, harm or injure someone. For
donate body parts like eyes after their death. example, a teacher beats a student with a ruler
This is, of course, regulated. No one can take on the knuckles for not doing homework.
your body parts by force or without your
knowledge. This is because you are the sole 2. Emotional: This is also called psychological
owner of your body and its first caretaker.” or mental abuse. It means doing something on
purpose that we know will emotionally or
“Wow! We can exchange our organs?” Arpit psychologically harm someone.
thought out loud echoing the entire class's
amazement. “Yes, because every body part has 3. Sexual: It includes any unwanted verbal or
a role to play,” sir responded. “Yes sir, we also physical contact or behaviour of a sexual
read about private parts in ‘My Eighth Safety nature. When verbal, it is also called sexual
Workbook’ and how they are to be kept clean harassment, and when physical, it is known as
and covered at all times, for health, hygiene, molestation. Touching anyone inappropriately,
safety and self-esteem," said Sana. Sir touching someone's private parts, taking
responded, “Very good! And mouth is a special pictures of their private parts, making them see
private part because it is the only private part or touch your or others' private parts, and
that we do not cover. Remember, private means groping are a few examples of sexual abuse.
only for us. Sexual abuse can be physically, mentally and
emotionally detrimental for a child. Stalking is
characterised by unwanted visits, phone calls,
texts, emails, or letters; giving unwanted
presents; watching someone at their home or
school and following and staring at someone. It
is another example of emotional abuse and can
take the form of sexual abuse.”

“Sir, can there be cyberstalking?" asked

Fatima. “Yes kids, cyberstalking is when one
compulsively stalks someone’s social media
over all platforms, so much so that they breach
There are body safety rules like the ‘8-step their personal boundary,” he answered. “What
safety rule’ on page 62, that are to be followed is a personal boundary, sir?" asked Birsa,
by us so that we can keep ourselves happy, whom everyone lovingly called Tenali Rama.
healthy and safe. In order to implement these
“A boundary is a stop sign! Physical boundaries
rules we will have to understand further about
are invisible boundaries for our bodies, but we
abuse and boundaries. Abuse is the harm
know that they are there. Our physical
caused by a person onto another person,
boundary is how close to us we let someone
whether they are adults or children. The person
come before we start feeling uncomfortable or
who abuses can be an acquaintance or a
unsafe. No one likes it if their physical
stranger. Someone who abuses is called an
boundaries are crossed. Different people have
abuser. An abuser is a person who is in a
different physical boundaries. We may like it
position of superiority. The superiority can be
when our mummy hugs us but not when an
in terms of age, physical power, money power,
auntie hugs us. Personal boundaries are about
etc. Abuse, irrespective of the abuser, is always
how we let others treat us. It is very important
wrong. There are various types of abuses like:

Abuse, no matter who the abuser,

15 is always wrong.
to set personal boundaries. When we set and helpful, but we have to be careful when it
personal boundaries, we tell others how to treat comes to our safety. Let us now come back to
us. This helps them to be respectful towards our subject, English literature. Next week we
our body, our feelings and our things. So, if our will be reading Shakespeare's plays Romeo and
friend has done something that hurts us, we Juliet and The Comedy of Errors.”
must tell them how it made us feel and to not do
it again. Telling your friends how you feel is the Privacy is the ability of an individual or
right thing to do. If they care about you, they group to seclude themselves or information
will stop doing the hurtful thing. If they about themselves, and thereby express
continue to say or do hurtful things, they are themselves selectively. When something is
not your friends. Just like our body, our private to a person, it usually means that
physical and personal boundaries belong to us. something is inherently special or sensitive to
Everyone has personal and physical them. In a landmark judgment delivered in
boundaries. Just as we want others to respect August 2017, the Supreme Court of India has
our boundaries, we should also respect others’ recognised the right to privacy as a
boundaries. People need permission to cross fundamental right under Article 21 of the
our boundaries unless it is accidental or Constitution as a part of the right to “life” and
necessary. For example, when we are standing “p e r s o n a l lib e r ty ”. T h e In fo rma tio n
in a line for the morning school assembly, and Technology (Amendment) Act 2008 covers e-
someone falls on us, or when a doctor asks us, commerce and privacy related matters of
in the presence of our loved ones, about the users including various types of cyber
colour of our urine for medical purposes. Our abuses. Sexual abuses, harassment,
loved and trusted ones are our parents, stalking, molesting, etc., are punishable
teachers, grandparents and our good friends. crimes under various criminal laws like
Boundaries are different for different people. Indian Penal Code (IPC), POCSO Act, POSH
Some like kissing, others don’t. Some like Act, etc.
holding hands while walking, others don’t.
Suggested viewing:
Some like to sit or stand very close to Movie ‘My left foot’, the
whomsoever they are with, others don’t. Just Story of Christy Brown
as boundaries are different for different people, (Universal viewing by
the same person can have different boundaries Central Board of Film
for different people in their life. We have smaller C e r t i f i c a t i o n ,
boundaries with our loved and trusted ones, https://www.cbfcindia.g
and our boundaries change as we grow older or ov.in/main/
as situations change.”
Teacher resources: National Organ & Tissue
Salman, the carrom champ, asked, “Sir, is it Transplant Organisation under the aegis of
true that persons with disabilities can be easily Directorate General of Health Services, Ministry
targeted by abusers?" "Unfortunately, that is of Health & Family Services (Government of
true. That is why when the victim is a person India) maintains the waiting list of terminally ill
with disability, the punishment for the abuser patients requiring transplants. Helpline 1800
is always more stringent," replied sir. Finally, 11 4770. There is organ and tissue donor pledge
he concluded, “Most people are good at heart for adults on NOTTO - https://notto.gov.in/

Just like our body, our personal

space too belongs to us. 16
 Mummy, Papa and Grandma. On receiving the
bed tea, proud Grandma said to Papa, "Look at
Comedy of Genders how much he contributes to the household
work. He will make us proud at his in-laws’
Following is a story place.” Chitra then went upstairs to get ready.
consisting of various Today was hair-washing day so he had to
gender stereotypes and manage time accordingly. He combed his long
for the purpose of satire wavy hair and fashioned it into a french braid.
and comedy, we have After getting ready, he took a long look in the
exchanged the gender mirror to check whether he is looking graceful
pronouns of the two or not and then he came downstairs to help
protagonists. Arjun is Mummy pack everyone’s lunch boxes. Arjun
the brother and is was constantly amazed at how her sister
referred to with always managed to wake up early. She also saw
she/her pronouns and that his skirt was always perfectly worn and his
for Chitra, who is the hair braided neatly. But, every time she asked
sister, he/his/him are him how he managed to wake up so early, he
being used. would reply that he was simply “used to it”.

Arjun woke up to the Chitra helped his mother set the table for
sound of her alarm clock. breakfast. And like clockwork, as soon as the
She rubbed her eyes as warm food was placed on the table, their father
she yawned till she was walked into the dining hall with the newspaper
satisfied. Groggily, she climbed down her bed in his hands. He wished everyone a good
and walked past her rather messy room into morning, and they all sat down to eat. While
the toilet. It was Friday which meant that she Grandma was pestering Arjun to eat more to be
had to go to school. But there was something healthier, Chitra never got any such appeals
else which filled her with enthusiasm – it was served on his plate.
her best friend Debarishi’s birthday. Arjun and Before Arjun could go back upstairs to re-check
Debarishi had been best friends since they met her backpack for school, Mother reminded her
in class 5 and as the years passed, they became to keep her dirty dishes in the kitchen sink.
as close as siblings. Speaking of siblings, “I Arjun groaned in protest but seeing Chitra do
wonder if Chitra has woken up,” Arjun thought so without any complaints or even a reminder,
to herself as she brushed her teeth she completed the chores and then went up.
rhythmically. Chitra was her sister, younger to Chitra, on the other hand, was worried about
her by 2 years. They were in the same school his menstrual cycle coming up. He asked
and since Arjun was the elder sibling, she had Mother to buy more sanitary pads as his
to be a little responsible for her younger sister. supplies had run out. Arjun had learnt about
After washing up and running her fingers menstruation, thanks to a special talk held in
through her short hair, Arjun quickly dressed school the previous year, so she didn't disturb
into her white shirt and navy blue trousers, a them.
maroon coloured necktie, white socks and
black shoes. She took one look into the body As both the siblings headed out of the house,
length mirror in her room and dashed they wished Mother goodbye and walked
downstairs. Chitra was up before Arjun. Every towards the bus stop. On the way, Chitra asked
day, he wakes up and prepares bed tea for Arjun what she had gotten for Debarishi. “A

26
poster of his favourite cricketer,” Arjun the kitchen. “Papa, Arjun bhaiya, tea and
answered, seeming very pleased with herself. samosas are ready!” Arjun and her father
Chitra was also friends with Debarishi, but he shouted back like excited children, “Okay.
wasn't allowed to go to the party as the party We’re coming!”
was in the evening. Arjun had no such
restrictions; she was free to go without even The one who fights for equality of genders is a
asking. feminist. Fighting or demanding equality of
genders is feminism.
As the children stepped off the bus, Chitra
reminded Arjun that the next day was laundry Most Sikh names
day back home. Given that he was always doing are gender-neutral.
her laundry, Chitra asked Arjun to help him Sikh girls are given
this time. Arjun only half listened to him. She the last name Kaur
ran off towards the school building, excited to and boys Singh. For
wish her best friend a happy birthday. While example, Gurpreet
Chitra and Yasmin prepared for art class, is gender-neutral
Yasmin was amazed at how Chitra had a lot of whereas Gurpreet
shades of pink pencil colours. Just then Singh is a boy and
Aadarshini said, “He is crazy about the colour Gurpreet Kaur is a
pink, don’t you know?” They all burst out girl.
laughing.
Which of the following words/terms do you
When Arjun and Chitra came back home from
think are gender neutral? Circle them.
school, they were surprised to see their father
1. Humankind - Mankind
in the garage, lying under the car bonnet,
checking for something. Chitra asked 2. Chairman - Chairperson
curiously, “Papa, what are you doing back 3. Policeman - Police officer 9
home so early?” Their father replied, “Oh, I took
4. Stewardess - Flight attendant
a half day because there wasn't much work. I
also wanted to replace the radiator water of the 5. Salesman - Sales person
car.” He then turned to Arjun and said, “Be a 6. Fireman - Firefighter
sport and help me after you’ve changed your
7. Waiter - Waitron
clothes, Arjun.” Chitra said, “I’ll prepare some
tea, then?” He thanked his daughter saying, 8. Businessman- Business person
“That would be lovely, Chitra.”
The dowry system is prevalent in India since
Arjun ran up to her room and quickly changed
ancient times. It refers to the goods,
her clothes. Amidst the rush, she didn’t forget
jewellery and cash that the bride's family
Chitra’s reminder, so she tossed her uniform
gives to the bridegroom, his parents and his
and other dirty clothes into the laundry basket.
relatives as a condition of the marriage. It is
She then ran back down and joined her father
a deep-rooted evil custom and causes
in the garage where she learned a lot about the
countless sufferings, including dowry
car’s engine. Her father also asked her to
deaths every year across India. The dowry
accompany him to the car servicing centre the
system is unlawful under the Dowry
next day, while Chitra and their mother were
Prohibition Act, 1961.
washing clothes and cleaning. As Arjun agreed
to tag along, they heard Chitra call them from

Gender equality is not a women’s issue,

27 it is a human issue. It affects all of us.
 9. Secrets
Secrets, Surprises and Gifts
A secret that you hide because you don’t want a Do not keep it a
trusted adult to get upset is an unsafe secret. secret. You should
Even if your parents or other trusted adults are tell trusted adults
upset at first, you must share these secrets about any gifts
with them. Talking to them about your plans that you get from
and problems increases their trust and your others. Just like
safety. You should always share information touches, gifts can
about relationships and friendships. If you begin as little things
can’t share these with trusted adults, share and then suddenly
them with friends you can depend on. create big problems for you.
Similarly, any kind of touch from another
Activities that need you to go out of your house,
person should not be kept a secret. In fact, you
and do not include your parents in any role,
should not allow anyone to touch you
should also never be a secret. Problems should
inappropriately. You should always tell your
never be kept a secret. Share your worries and
trusted adults about unsafe touches. It doesn't
problems with your parents so that they can
matter if it's a little touch, if it makes you
guide and protect you if there are any
uncomfortable, you should always tell because
consequences. Understand that even if your
that little touch can be the beginning of even
parents are angry with you for a while, they
more unsafe practices. This is exactly how
have a right to know, and this
unsafe activities and abuse start out – as little
will help keep you safe.
things that were not taken seriously. Whenever
you are in doubt, check your feelings. If it 15
makes you uncomfortable, you must share.

Would you like to share with your friend Pocso

a secret that you are uncomfortable with?

44
 When should a secret
stop being a secret?

Yes Is someone in danger? (self-

harm, sexual abuse, kidnap,
blackmail). No Does it involve someone who
can't give consent?
(a child, someone under the
Yes influence or with a
developmental disability)

No
Yes
Does it involve threats or
bribes?
("there's money if you don't
Is there a power imbalance? No tell, and if you do tell, you'll be
sorry")
(peer pressure, a group of
people against one, age
difference, authority figures)

No Does it involve someone who

may not be thinking clearly?
Yes (someone who is distressed)

Yes No
Yes Is it making you feel
stressed, worried or stuck?

No
Yes Do you need help figuring
out what to do?

No
It sounds like this one is
Tell someone! Consider telling someone
okay to be keept a secret

It is important not to keep unsafe secrets.

45
 What Is Self-Defence?
Arpit and Sana were coming back from the
market when they saw a body-builder-type
thug come towards them, threateningly. Just
then, Sana looked at someone behind the thug
and shouted loudly. The ruffian turned, and
Sana and Arpit ran home safely. When Pocso
met them in the park, they told him what had
happened.
That is why it can be learnt
Arpit said, “Why did you shout, Sana? I was
by anyone, no matter their age,
just about to practise my karate technique on
size or fitness level. Self-defence
him. After all, I am a big fan of Bruce Lee.”
techniques also include how to identify
Sana smiled and said, “Hey, I used a self- potential threats, how to remain calm in
defence technique, too!” Arpit could not believe unfavourable situations, and why and how to
what he was hearing. He said, “No, you shouted fight using words. Remember, there is no
to distract him and we ran. Where is the self- guarantee that we can protect ourselves. What
defence in that?” self-defence training does is that it gives us
Pocso said, “Anything that allows you to be safe more choices of how to act and helps us prepare
is self-defence. Most people feel that it is about our response. You might be surprised to know
physical techniques to hit, harm or injure the that the best response for someone faced with
person trying to do unsafe things, but actually, an attacker is to slow down the attacker, try to
anything you do that lets you get away from calm things down as much as possible, and
them is self-defence. This means anything that prevent the attack. Self-defence is a tool. Like
makes you more aware, more assertive, and any other tool, the more you know about it, the
more able to distract the wrong-doer, and better will be your decision to use it or avoid
keeps you safe is self-defence. It also includes using it, in a given situation.
physical techniques that let you escape and It is important for you to understand that
resist violent attack.” Arpit said, “I had no physical self-defence is a need, not a want. No
idea!” Sana smiled happily. one asks for, causes, invites, or deserves to be
Pocso explained, “Self-defence training assaulted or abused. Sometimes, people make
provides psychological awareness and verbal poor choices about their safety, but that does
skills, not just physical training. Self-defence not mean that they are responsible for the
means protecting oneself and one’s loved ones attack. Attackers are responsible for their
from harm. It does not necessarily mean attacks and their use of violence. A good self-
fighting. It is much better if you can protect defence programme does not “tell” someone
yourself and your loved ones without using any what they “should” or “should not” do. Instead,
physical force. Actually, most self-defence it offers options, techniques, and a way of
situations don’t even involve physical contact. analysing situations to help the person make a
Also, physical self-defence is not about good decision. A good self-defence programme
strength, but technique and presence of mind. empowers us to make good decisions when
faced with unfavourable situations.”

63
Remember! Fight to leave.
Not to win.
P Self-defence techniques are for protection
and not for revenge or to settle personal
disputes.
P They should only be used as a last resort. If
such a situation can be avoided, avoid it.
For example, if you sense trouble, walk
away. Don’t stand there and wait for
something to happen.
you feel uneasy, you can also shout or make
P You must also understand that these a loud noise to startle the other person.
techniques can cause serious injury, so be
P If possible, try varying your routine. It
very careful. These techniques are not to be
becomes easy for a potential perpetrator to
used to bully or frighten others, or for fun.
plan something if they know your regular
Studies have shown that obeying the attacker time and route. At the very least, you should
does not guarantee that you will not be brutally know an alternate route in case of an
attacked and injured. That is why it is emergency.
absolutely vital that you use self-defence to
P Walk and talk confidently - People who
make the situation less dangerous, and get
appear confident are much less likely to be
away as soon as possible. You don’t want a
targeted as compared to someone who looks
situation where your attacker has the chance
timid.
to call for backup or reinforcements.
P Be aware of your surroundings - Try to
Safety Tips avoid places with low visibility and lighting.
P If you feel unsafe or uncomfortable in a P Walk in the opposite direction of traffic –
situation, act on it. Don’t hesitate to ask for This way, you can look at oncoming traffic.
help. Also, walk on the footpath, not the road. It
P Keep calm, think straight - Even the best makes it harder for others to snatch your
martial artist will not be able to defend valuables or to kidnap you.
themselves if they panicked. P When taking a public bus, avoid one that
P Set clear boundaries - If you feel that has few or no passengers, and avoid taking
someone is invading your ‘private space’, roadside cabs and autos.
tell them clearly to back off. Make direct eye P You should have your parents’ and other
contact – don’t look down/look away. trusted adults’ phone numbers on speed
P Better safe than sorry - If you feel that you dial on your phone so that you can call them
are in trouble or that someone is stalking or instantly in an emergency. If you have a
eyeing you, try to avoid walking alone or smart phone, install emergency apps that
walking in an isolated area. can send SMS to known people and can
even dial the police’s number with a single
P Even if you’re alone, you can walk close to
click in case of an emergency.
another group. If you cannot do that, stay
very alert. Keep the exit points in mind –
that is, areas by which you can escape. If

64
 Laws Are for
Everyone’s Safety
More than a hundred thousand people die in
road accidents in India every year. Many of
them are children who often meet with road
accidents while going to and/or coming back
from schools. That is why the new stringent
Motor Vehicles Act - MVA (2019) came into
existence.

India is a signatory to the Brasilia Declaration • Contractors, consultants and civic agencies
on Road Safety 2015, a declaration are liable for fine for faulty design, construction
supported by the World Health Organisation or poor maintenance of roads leading to
(WHO). India has committed to reducing the accidents.
number of road crash fatalities and serious • A time limit of six months has been specified
injuries in a time bound manner. for an application of compensation to the
Claims Tribunal with regard to road accidents.
The Motor Vehicles (Amendment) Act, 2019 • The government can recall vehicles whose
prioritises the protection of children and engines or other components do not meet the
vulnerable road users like pedestrians and required safety standards.
others. Here are its salient features:
• Manufacturers can be fined upto Rs. 500
• The fines for violations like drunk driving/ crore in case of sub-standard components or
rash driving/driving without a licence/over engines.
speeding/not wearing a seatbelt or a helmet/
• Various improvement schemes have been
jumping a red light/talking on the phone while
introduced in the areas of road safety, rural
driving etc., have been substantially increased.
transport, last mile connectivity, public
• The driver licensing system in India controls transport automation, passenger convenience,
and filters the number and quality of drivers on online learning licences, and increasing
the road. The system is being digitalised and validity period for driving license.
made uniform for the entire country.
A driving licence is an official document
• For deaths in hit-and-run cases, the certifying that the holder is suitably qualified to
government provides a higher compensation. drive a motor vehicle or vehicles. No person can
• The act has provisions for the protection of drive a motor vehicle in any public place,
Good Samaritans. Those who come forward to unless they hold a valid driving licence issued
help accident victims will be protected from civil to them by the government, authorising them
or criminal liability. It is optional for them to to drive a vehicle of that particular category. In
disclose their identity to the police or medical India, two kinds of driving licences are issued:
personnel. Learner's and Permanent. Learner's Licence is
• It is mandatory to alter vehicles to make valid for several months. For obtaining a
them suitable for persons with disabilities. Permanent Licence, you must have a valid
Learner's Licence.

You must obey traffic rules and ensure that others

67 around you do it too. It is in everyone's best interest.
 A. Do you, your loved
ü The minimum age to ones, teachers or friends
apply for a permanent know someone who,
licence to drive a unfortunately, died in a
22
private motor vehicle road accident?
is 18 years.
_______________________
ü In traffic violations by
children or minors, the
guardians or owner of B. Here is what you can do
the vehicle will be held to keep everyone safe on
responsible, unless the road.
they manage to prove that the offence was a. If you go to your school by a bus/van/auto-
committed without their knowledge or rickshaw, whether by your school’s transport
that they had tried to prevent it. The or private transport, ask your parents/
registration of the motor vehicle in guardians to check the validity of the driving
question will be cancelled. The child will licence of the driver.
be tried under the Juvenile Justice Act.
b. If the driver jumps a traffic light or a
ü The eligibility for obtaining a Learner's railway signal or talks on a mobile phone while
Licence for a private motor vehicle of 50 driving, report it to your parents/guardians/
CC engine capacity and without any gear, teachers.
is 16 years (if the applicant's parents or c. Ask your loved ones, teachers, non-
guardians give their consent). teaching/support staff who drive to take a
safe driving pledge.

Why is the colour Major causes of road accidents are over

of your school bus speeding, alcohol, poor visibility and
yellow? avoiding safety gear like seat belts and
The wavelength and helmets.
frequency of a Safety checklist for school buses
particular colour ü Bus must have a first-aid-box.
(light) define its ü It must have a fire extinguisher.
characteristics such as whether it will scatter
ü It must have a speed governor to limit
more or less. For example, the wavelength for
the colour blue (light) is lower so it scatters the speed of the bus to 40 kph.
more, thus making it difficult to be visible from ü It must have the school’s name and
a distance. Red colour (light), on the other telephone numbers written on it.
hand, has a higher wavelength so it scatters ü There must be an attendant from the
less, making it visible even from far away. That
school in the Bus. 
is why we use red and not blue for danger and
stop signs or signals. Yellow light scatters more Teacher resource - Road safety symbols
than red but less than blue. Since we have http://delhitrafficpolice.nic.in
already used red for danger/stop signs, yellow
is a good choice to distinguish an object like
your school bus in a crowd.

Be patient on the road or you might

become a patient in the hospital. 68