TUESDAY, APRIL 30, 2024
Peter F Borges
Following last month’s tragic deaths by suicide of two students from two prominent schools in Panaji, our community stands at a pivotal moment, confronting a crucial question: Are we dedicating sufficient resources and care to address the growing mental health crisis in Goa's educational system? These tragedies, along with the silent struggles against online abuse, teenage pregnancies, and numerous other challenges, highlight the pressing need for a solid support system for our youth.
Despite the Goa Children's Act, enacted in 2003 as a pioneering piece of legislation aimed at child protection and welfare — a distinction that positioned Goa as a leader in this critical area within India — it appears the state has yet to fully act on specific provisions within the Act. One such provision, as outlined in Section 4(3) of the Act, mandates the provision of counselling facilities by trained personnel in all schools to support the mental and emotional well-being of students. Regrettably, since the Act's inception over two decades ago, tangible progress in implementing this crucial service remains noticeably absent. This inaction stands in stark contrast to the Act's initial promise and the state's commendable aim of safeguarding and promoting the interests of its younger citizens.
However, while the Union education ministry's call to action for Goa's schools to promote awareness of the Tele MANAS toll-free mental health helpline represents a positive step forward, it simultaneously prompts us to ponder the depth and breadth of our response to this crisis. Is this initiative, though well-intentioned, enough to address the multifaceted nature of mental health challenges our students face? Or does it merely scratch the surface of a much larger, more complex issue that requires not just awareness, but a profound structural change within our approach to mental health in educational settings?
Where Are Our Counsellors?
The stark lack of mental health professionals in schools, spotlighted by the Goa State Commission's "one school, one counsellor" recommendation, raises a critical concern. This glaring gap in our educational system not only hampers students' access to essential mental health support but also places an enormous burden on educators, who often find themselves on the front lines of this crisis. So, the question stands: How can we bridge this gap effectively, ensuring every student has access to the mental health support they desperately need?
The Imperative for Tailored Counseling and Quality Counselor Development
A cornerstone in our mission to transform the mental health landscape within Goa's schools is the establishment of need-based counselling courses and the cultivation of high-calibre counsellors. The curriculum for these courses must be meticulously designed, incorporating a comprehensive understanding of the issues our students face, including online abuse, substance abuse, anxiety, depression, and the nuances of teenage pregnancies. This targeted approach ensures that counsellors are not only well-versed in theory but are also equipped with practical, applicable knowledge and strategies tailored to the specific needs of their clientele. Additionally, a significant investment in the welfare and entitlements of these professionals is crucial. By enhancing the incentives and benefits available to counsellors, we can attract and retain top talent in the field, ultimately strengthening the support system available to our students. In doing so, we affirm our commitment to not just addressing the immediate mental health challenges but to nurturing a generation that is resilient, well-supported, and empowered to overcome the obstacles they may face.
Navigating the Digital Quagmire: The Unseen Toll of Online Abuse on Students
In the digital age, our students are navigating a complex virtual landscape that, while offering boundless opportunities for learning and connection, also exposes them to significant risks such as online abuse, cyberbullying, and internet addiction. These issues, often going unreported, cast a long shadow over the mental well-being of our students. Schools, as crucial touch points in children's lives, are in a prime position to lead the charge in developing robust support systems. However, the question remains: how can educators, parents, and policymakers collaborate more effectively to create a safer online environment that not only recognizes the gravity of these issues but also actively works towards empowering students to navigate the digital world responsibly and resiliently?
The Vaping Epidemic: A New Front in the Battle against Substance Abuse in Schools
Simultaneously, the menace of substance abuse looms large, casting a pall over the future of our students. The problem is multifaceted, with drugs being a longstanding issue, but now, vaping has surged in popularity, becoming a significant concern. This trend towards newer forms of substance abuse, coupled with reports of drug peddling within school premises for easy money, signals a deepening crisis. It's clear that the allure of quick profits for some is jeopardizing the health and futures of many. This growing threat underscores the urgent need for comprehensive education on the risks associated with substance abuse, the implementation of stringent measures to combat the sale of harmful substances in and around schools, and the creation of supportive environments where students can seek help without stigma.
Is Policy Catching Up Fast Enough?
The procrastination in putting the Goa Mental Health Care Rules into action, despite the authority granted by the clause in Section 121(2) of the Mental Health Care Act, 2017, highlights a worrisome delay in making mental health a priority in our educational system. This slow movement not only interrupts the delivery of essential mental health services but could also undermine the value of mental well-being perceived by students and their families. This situation begs the questions: What measures are in progress to fast-track these policies, and how can we guarantee their rapid and effective execution?
What Does a United Mental Health Strategy Look Like?
While the initiative to promote the Tele MANAS helpline is indeed a step in the right direction, it begs a larger question: Is this enough to tackle the multifaceted mental health crisis our students are facing? This initiative should be part of a broader, more comprehensive strategy that includes prevention, early intervention, ongoing support, and the normalization of seeking help. But how can we foster a more collaborative approach, bringing together educators, mental health professionals, policymakers, and the community to create an integrated mental health care ecosystem within our schools?
Reflecting on Our Path Forward
The tragedies that unfolded in Goa's schools serve as a sombre reminder of the critical work that lies ahead in addressing the mental health crisis among our youth. As we ponder the promotion of the Tele MANAS helpline and the broader questions it raises, we must also consider our collective responsibility in this endeavor. Are we prepared to take the necessary steps to ensure a supportive, nurturing environment for all students? And more importantly, are we ready to face this crisis together, uniting as a community to safeguard the well-being of our future generations?
In confronting these challenges head-on, we not only honor the memories of those we've lost but also commit to a future where every student in Goa, and indeed across the nation, feels supported, valued, and understood.
(Peter F. Borges, serves as Chairperson of the Goa State Commission for Protection of Child Rights.)
