Mandya’s Deputy Commissioner, Dr. Kumar, has issued a crucial call to all educational institutions: establish confidential counseling rooms dedicated to nurturing students’ mental health.
During a vital district-level meeting focused on student mental well-being, prompted by recent reports of adolescents taking their own lives over minor issues, Dr. Kumar proposed a comprehensive approach. He suggested that every school in the district should not only set up a private counseling room but also ensure that at least one teacher receives specialized training from mental health professionals in stress management techniques. These trained educators would then be equipped to offer vital guidance to students.
These specially trained teachers are tasked with identifying students showing signs of mental distress and providing them with weekly, focused counseling sessions. Dr. Kumar firmly believes that consistent monitoring of vulnerable students by schools and colleges can significantly reduce instances of child suicides.
Underscoring the critical importance of protecting student mental health, Dr. Kumar mandated the formation of Child Monitoring Committees at the taluk level. He stressed that children who attempt suicide require exceptional care, reiterating that no duty is more paramount than saving a life.
The Deputy Commissioner highlighted that when teenagers experience mental stress, trained teachers should intervene, identify those in need, offer appropriate awareness, and help them to develop a more positive mindset.
Dr. Kumar also noted that students can face emotional instability not only within school or college environments but also in hostels. In such cases, hostel wardens must provide immediate support to affected children, arranging for professional treatment and counseling at local primary health centers if necessary.
Collecting Vital Data for Future Prevention
To better understand and address the issue, he urged officials to compile data on children who have died by suicide due to mental health challenges over the past two years. Records of students who have attempted suicide or exhibited signs of weak mental health should also be maintained, and confidential counseling should be extended to their parents.
Dr. Kumar also suggested that educational institutions should increase their extracurricular activities. He believes that a diverse range of activities can help students alleviate mental stress.
Regarding the Child Monitoring Committee, Dr. Kumar stated that meetings should be held monthly to review the measures implemented by authorities to ensure student mental health and stability. The meeting concluded with the presence of key education and social welfare officials, including Deputy Director of Department of School and Public Education Lokesh, Deputy Director of Department of School and Public Education K. Mohan, Deputy Director of Social Welfare Department Srinivas, and Deputy Director of Backward Classes Welfare Manjula.