PORTALJABAR, BANDUNG CITY - Schools are not just places of learning; they should also be a second home for children. A child-friendly school should provide a warm and caring atmosphere, much like a family at home.

This was stated by the Mother of the Bandung City Children's Forum, Aryatri Benarto, during the "2025 Bandung City Child-Friendly School Declaration" event held at the Taruna Bakti School, Friday (10/10/2025).

“Schools should be a second home for children, a place where they feel safe, cared for, and valued, just like at home,” he said.

He explained that child-friendly schools are not just about facilities, but about building a positive culture in the educational environment.

"Child-friendly schools are not just about facilities, but about three important pillars: all educators, students, and the school environment, who together create an atmosphere free from violence, discrimination, and mental stress," he said.

According to him, through child-friendly schools, the relationship between teachers and students is expected to be more humanistic and participatory.

"Teachers are not just instructors, but also mentors, friends, and parents to children at school. Good communication between teachers, students, and the school is key to ensuring children feel safe and protected," he said.

He also expressed his pride in being part of a joint movement to realize Bandung City as a Child-Friendly City (KLA).

"This moment is a concrete step so that children in Bandung City can grow comfortably and receive optimal support for their growth and development," he said.

Head of the Bandung City Women's Empowerment and Child Protection Agency (DP3A), Uum Sumiati, assessed that schools play an important role in character formation and children's growth and development.

"The school environment plays a big role in helping children build character, social skills, and self-confidence," he said.

For Uum, child-friendly schools include all educational units, both formal, non-formal, and informal, which ensure the fulfillment of children's rights and protection.

"Schools must have clear mechanisms to protect children and follow up on complaints of violence in the educational environment," he said. (Bandung City Communications and Information Office/UPI)