Education experts in Kolkata have issued a strong call to integrate mental health education directly into the school curriculum, highlighting an alarming rise in depression, anxiety, and screen addiction among students. The urgent recommendation came during the concluding session of the 103rd annual conference of the Association of Heads of Anglo-Indian Schools on Wednesday.
Alarming Statistics Prompt Curriculum Overhaul
Psychiatrist Sanjay Garg presented startling data from a 2023 study, revealing that 52.3% of surveyed schoolchildren showed symptoms of depression. The study further indicated 47.4% suffered from anxiety and 33.7% from stress. Disturbingly, 16.1% of these young individuals exhibited extremely severe depression, while 10.8% had severe anxiety.
Garg emphasized that relying solely on school counsellors is insufficient. "Mental well-being is of utmost importance and should be addressed from early childhood," he stated, urging schools to make systemic changes. The consensus among experts was clear: the earlier an issue is identified, the quicker therapeutic intervention can begin.
Screen Time and Classroom Challenges
Teachers and principals at the conference identified online gaming addiction and excessive screen time as major disruptors of the classroom environment. They reported that addiction to gadgets from a young age leads to significant attention and concentration deficits, with some students unable to focus even during a standard 40-45 minute lesson.
Some educators noted that these issues sometimes manifest as attention-seeking behavior during classes. To counter this, experts suggested practical changes like introducing two short breaks instead of one or reducing continuous class hours to help students reconnect with the learning atmosphere.
Proactive Solutions for Holistic Development
The proposed solution centers on weaving mental well-being into the fabric of daily schooling. Experts recommended dedicated modules that teach children communication, teamwork, sharing, and out-of-the-box thinking. Psychologist Srishti Saha pointed out the modern challenge of loneliness, as many children come from dual-income households. "We need to identify an issue first and then act," she advised.
To boost engagement, Dr. Garg suggested making classes more interactive through the use of colors, activities, smart boards, and concentration-building exercises. Schools are already taking note. Rupkatha Sarkar, Principal of La Martiniere for Girls, shared that their institution has incorporated several activities to make learning joyful and keeps a constant watch on student welfare.
Terence John, Director of Education and Development at Julien Day School, outlined their approach: encouraging movement breaks every 20-25 minutes and having a counsellor engage with children regularly. The overarching message from the conference was that nurturing mental health is not an add-on but a fundamental requirement for the holistic development of every child.
