Children in India opine that stronger anti-violence laws will contribute towards curbing violence against them, according to a recent survey focusing on children’s views from across the world. The finding is part of the fourth annual “Small Voices, Big Dreams” survey, by ChildFund which polled 6,500 children aged between 10 and 12 years in 47 countries about their view on socio-political issues facing their country. Asked what they would do to end violence against children if they were the leader of their country, almost one in three children (30 per cent) said they would crack down by using stronger anti-violence laws, while another 12 percent think improving education would be their priority.

“41 per cent of children in India cited stronger laws, a position taken by only 1 per cent of children in Afghanistan and 3 per cent in Laos,” the survey said. The findings have been released today on the occasion of Universal Children’s’ Day. “This year’s survey focused on children’s attitudes about violence, peace, happiness and their heroes. The findings tell us that children can think beyond themselves and consider how their world can be improved,” said Katherine Manik, ChildFund’s India country director in a statement. The children surveyed responded to six questions, including, “What makes you feel safe and happy?”

More than half (56 per cent) of respondents say being with their family, while another quarter (25 per cent) find safety and happiness at school. “In India, 44 per cent of children said they feel safe and happy at schools, while 38 per cent said family is where they most feel that way.