New Delhi: Constitution of Mental Health Advisory Committee, mental health programs, educational assistance to ensure the mental health of students, etc. are included in the guidelines issued by NCERT for schools. ‘Guidelines for early detection of mental health problems in school-going children and adolescents have been issued by the National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) following a mental health survey among school-going students.
Last week’s survey report cited exams, results, and peer pressure as key factors for stress and anxiety among school-going students. As per the guidelines, ‘Schools are generally seen as places where students are expected to develop in a safe environment. School management, principals, teachers, other staff, and students spend around 220 days a year in schools across states and union territories.
The time spent by a student in residential schools is even greater. Therefore, it is the responsibility of schools to ensure the safety, protection, health, and well-being of all children in schools and hostels. It should be presided over by the Principal. This will include teachers, parents, students, and alumni as members.” Considering that most mental health issues emerge in the early stages of life, NCERT has recommended that parents and teachers inform the children about the early signs.
