The concept of "Safe Schools" is quickly becoming a jargon among child protection agencies not just in Uganda but the world over. The idea is that children should be protected and at ease while they are at school. Therefore, school environments should be as conducive as possible for children. This could include basics like having separate toilets or latrines for the different sexes.

The idea of safe schools is not limited to the physical infrastructure of the school but also the social environment of the school. Therefore, in order to make children more comfortable in school, there is need to pay special attention to their wholesome well being as opposed to simply concentrating on their academic performance.

A situation where the school environment is socially inadequate for learners is characterised by bullying by fellow students/pupils, threats from peers or even teachers, severe punishments, child labour (as opposed to child work) sexual abuse, denying children their right to play among other violations of their rights.

To make schools safer for children, school administrations need to make sure there are clear communication channels by which each child can express themselves. Many times, children get abused in school and have no way of reporting such abuse even in group discussions. Therefore, there is need for a child-friendly system for children to report abuse without fear of reprisal.

This could be through simply having a 'suggestion box' where such concerns can be shared. However, it is greatly discouraging for children to report cases and apparently no action is taken.

Communication can be enhanced through conducting 'class meetings', or talks with the children. They may be divided into smaller groups or according to gender. Such group discussions are means of touching base with what is going on in their lives. It can be conducted by the class teacher or a school counselor.

Such discussions can also be conducted by the children themselves after which their representative can pass on the salient issues of their meeting to the school administration.

Children can also call the ANPPCAN Uganda Chapter/ Action for Children toll free child help line on 0800111222 or simply directly report abuse to school authorities or police.