In a significant move for student welfare, authorities in Kanpur have proposed the creation of dedicated socio-emotional learning spaces within educational institutions. This recommendation emerged from a key review meeting focused on the mental well-being of students.
Meeting Reviews Student Welfare and Coaching Centre Rules
The crucial meeting, held on Tuesday, was chaired by District Magistrate Jitendra Pratap Singh. The agenda covered a comprehensive review of mental health initiatives, student welfare protocols, and the monitoring of regulations for coaching centres. The central focus, however, was the plan to establish socio-emotional learning rooms across schools and coaching institutes.
The primary objective is to ensure a uniform and effective implementation of these special rooms. Their core function will be to aid in the emotional development and stress management of children through regular, structured activities.
A Safe Space for Emotional Growth and Expression
DM Jitendra Pratap Singh emphasised that these learning rooms are designed to provide a safe and supportive environment. Here, children can learn to understand, express, and manage their emotions in a balanced and healthy manner. He highlighted their potential role in fostering positive changes in the outlook of children, parents, and teachers within today's evolving social landscape.
To ensure the initiative's success, the DM issued specific directives. He instructed the District Inspector of Schools to organise regular counselling sessions for parents, aiming to help them keep their children stress-free. Furthermore, he mandated workshops for teachers and staff to train them in exhibiting sensitive and positive behaviour towards students.
Expert Insights on Emotional Skills and Parenting
Echoing the administration's concerns, clinical psychologist and CSJMU Kanpur assistant professor, Srijan Srivastava, stressed the urgent need to strengthen children's emotional skills. He advocated for a balanced and sensitive approach to parenting.
Srivastava's key recommendations for parents and educators include:
- Avoiding pressure on children through excessive expectations or comparisons with others.
- Praising the effort a child puts in, rather than solely focusing on the final result.
- Prioritising and maintaining open channels of communication.
Psychological counsellor Kavita explained the practical application of these rooms. She stated that students could be trained in emotion management through engaging activities like SWOT analysis. "If children get the opportunity to express themselves freely, they can be protected from severe conditions like depression," she affirmed, underlining the preventive aspect of this initiative.
The proposal marks a proactive step by Kanpur's education and administrative bodies to address the growing concerns around student mental health. By institutionalising support through dedicated spaces and trained personnel, the district aims to build a more empathetic and resilient educational ecosystem.
