‘School plays an important role… they should give students space to discuss and vent’: AIIMS doctor

What signs should schools look for to know if a student is struggling?

Schools should look for change in behaviour of students — like a student who was outspoken has now gone into isolation.The school should make an effort to talk to the student and maybe with the family. A decline in academic performance or emotional symptoms like anger, irritability can be indicators for any such behavioral symptoms.

How can schools reduce stress for students?

By simply interacting with them. The teachers can interact with all the students, engage them in extracurricular activities — not paying so much attention to the academics but their strengths because each child is unique. I think sometimes a school plays a very, very important role. A teacher can be a good observant. Why I’m saying this, because sometimes a parent can be emotional, but the teacher is one person who is neutral.

What should teachers do if they notice a student is acting differently?

The most important thing, what we always believe, is interacting with them, giving them the environment to discuss and vent. We believe as experts, if a person, a student, or a young person is able to express themselves, then more than half the job is done.

What basic mental health support should every school have?

Schools should have a good peer support system, and good mental health literacy. It should not be just about an immediate response to a particular incident or situation. It has to be a continuous process not to stigmatise and be supportive. Sometimes, students are very sensitive about the kind of words we use. Sometimes senior students bully their juniors. Even teachers sometimes make remarks in anger. We have to be careful about our choice of words. Schools should know about students and their support system at school, how their friends are, have a good crisis management plan as well and if there is an issue, there should be a plan.

After a tragedy like this, how should the school talk to students and parents

They should seek professional help and call mental health experts, ensure a positive environment and safe space so that students can open up. Sometimes, students can’t confide their concerns as the family members and parents are too busy. The school can play a major role in giving an environment where they can discuss their issues and problems. Parent-teacher meetings are very important for teachers to bring up these concerns. Sometimes in my OPD, I ask for the marksheets. Not for the numbers, but the remarks that teachers have given. Because that’s something which we don’t pay attention to.

In the incident that happened, the father has alleged that the teachers were mocking his son. What do teachers need to be careful about when they interact with students?

We have to be very careful about the words we are using because, I believe, 90 per cent of students may not mind … but there would be few who would be very sensitive. And so, we have to be careful about what words we are using and how. Teachers should ensure they speak with students in a dignified way.

Should there be a counsellor in schools?

Yes, that is what we have been saying for many years now that the school should have a counsellor where a student can discuss their problems and interact with them and express their, you know, distress at times. Some schools have been very positive about this but not all of them have a counsellor. The counsellor should be trained to identify the problems, and manage it at the school level. In fact, we have published some literature also that if we train teachers, they can identify the problems of the students. It is also important that there should be a channel mechanism. If they identify, then they can refer also.

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