Suicide impact: teachers scared to handle kids guilty of misbehaviour

They also said they were finding it difficult to maintain discipline with a rise in number of cheating and copying cases. “Cheating and copying has off late become so rampant,but we have to think twice now before taking any kind of action. Recently I caught a student taking down answers over the phone with the help of hands-free at an examination. The girl was not allowed to attend the exam at the college level,but she was allowed at the university level. This is a mockery of invigilation,” said Sita Subramaniam,lecturer,human development,SNDT College in Ghatkopar.

“It is easy to blame us,but we are also required to deliver results. It is as much a competition for us as it is for children. Also,the teacher-student ratio is skewed; for every 60 to 100 students,there is only one teacher. And the teacher gets only 30 to 60 minutes with the class; how much can one interact with children,” another teacher asked.

Meanwhile,Mentor Student Scheme is fast picking up in city schools and colleges. One such scheme is functional at Podar International School. “We have introduced a ‘buddy system’,wherein senior school students wear a buddy batch and he or she will counsel junior students in the recess or any free period. Also,instead of only making complaint calls to parents,we also make praise calls to parents for small achievements,” Dr Vandana Lulla,director,Podar International School told another seminar,organised by Observer Research Foundation.

There are a lot of positive initiatives taken at every level. “As many as 18 principals have pledged to improve mental health of teachers,which is very important as they often have to balance their homes and work,” said Dr Shetty.