Kolkata : From engaging student counsellors to forming student peer groups and holding special sessions, city schools are stepping up measures to spot behavioural changes in students, especially those in adolescence. Most schools in and around the city are focusing on the mental well-being of their students, particularly those in distress.
Wherever required, the student is referred to the school counsellor for guidance and support, and the parents are duly informed so that the school and family can work together towards the student’s well-being,” he added, noting that they have a student council to address issues, promote responsible behaviour, and raise awareness among peers. Because students spend six hours at school and 18 hours at home, parents are crucial partners in these programmes. Silverpoint School principal Sucharita Roychowdhury said that they have introduced a ‘buddy system’ to monitor students’ mental health.
National English School principal Mousumi Saha said, “We have a council-recognised counsellor and council-trained senior teachers. South City International School principal Vishal Bhandari said that daily bag checking is a standard practice at their school. Augustine’s Day School, Shyamnagar principal Rodney Borneo said, “Bag checking is the responsibility of peer leadership in the school. The family environment is vital, and we must encourage students to speak out. ” Shovona Mukherji, a school counsellor, said, “Mental well-being must be discussed without stigma.
Taking mental well-being seriously, almost all schools now have a school counsellor and conduct special sessions as well as one-to-one interactions. This allows students to voice issues that disturb them mentally—concerns they feel unable to share with anyone else, including their parents. Additionally, some schools check pupils’ bags to remain vigilant about their day-to-day activities. We conduct a weekly one-hour interactive session on a regular basis. Apart from this, we reserve time during parent-teacher meetings for interaction regarding mental health awareness. We are getting a great response—some parents even break down in tears over various issues, while students reveal concerns when conversing with experts, who help them overcome these challenges. ” She also mentioned that they continuously remind students and parents not to bring sharp objects to school. They closely monitor children’s behavioural patterns and take action accordingly. “In case any unusual or concerning behaviour is observed, the matter is addressed promptly and appropriately. Several schools have already partnered with parents to address student distress and support recovery. St. Constant awareness is far more important than periodic reminders. We must balance the influence of both environments. “The buddy system comprises small teams of boys and girls who discuss their problems. If they identify an issue, they guide their friends or alert us so we can intervene. Times have changed, and to resolve their issues, we must address the root cause. Parents need to come forward and collaborate with educators and psychologists for their ward’s mental well-being. Prevention is better than cure, and even minor behavioural changes must be addressed promptly for proper assessment.”