Child Parliament-2026

Child Parliament 2026 was a dynamic and participatory preventive health education program that empowered high school students to take leadership roles in promoting tobacco-free, healthy, and supportive school environments.

Organised by the Foundation for Sustainable Health India (FSHI), the programme brought together students, teachers, government officials, law-enforcement authorities, health professionals, and child-rights experts for meaningful dialogue and action.

The programme opened with an Inaugural Session with Experts, where students engaged in an open interaction with representatives from child protection, police, health, and mental health institutions. Children shared their learnings and lived experiences related to tobacco use, nutrition, and mental well-being, and raised critical questions on illegal tobacco sales near schools, enforcement of child-protection laws, availability of mental health support, and interdepartmental coordination. The session reinforced children’s rights to safe and healthy environments and encouraged them to speak up and report violations.
This was followed by the formation of the Child Parliament, where students were assigned leadership roles such as Speaker, Ministers, and Committee Members. Through structured committee discussions on Tobacco-Free Schools, Nutrition and Healthy Eating, and Mental Health and Well-being, students identified key challenges faced by young people and proposed practical solutions rooted in their school realities.

A key highlight was the Mock Child Parliament Session, during which students formally presented their recommendations, debated issues, and passed resolutions committing to tobacco-free schools, healthier food choices, and peer support for mental well-being. The programme concluded with action planning and a collective pledge, where students committed to concrete actions such as anti-tobacco campaigns, healthy lunch initiatives, and daily mental wellness practices.

Child Parliament 2026 demonstrated the power of child participation in prevention and policy advocacy, reinforcing the message that informed, confident, and engaged children are essential partners in building healthier and substance-free communities.