MARGAO: Ahead of World Mental Health Day on October 10, the Goa State Commission for Protection of Child Rights (GSCPCR) wrote to CM Pramod Sawant, urging the State government to prioritise mental health in every classroom by appointing at least one counsellor in each school.
Highlighting that this has been a prior recommendation by the Commission, GSCPCR emphasised the importance of the government making long-term investments in mental health resources and infrastructure within the education system.
“Mental health is directly linked to educational outcomes. Educational institutions can enhance the nature and scope of mental health interventions, fill gaps, enhance effectiveness, address problems early, and reduce stigma,” said Peter F Borges, GSCPCR Chairperson.
Borges cited the Mental Healthcare Act, 2017, which places an obligation on the government to allocate sufficient funds to ensure that mental health services are available in adequate quantity to meet the needs of the population, including children.
“The well-being of our children is critical to the future of society. To create a progressive and developed State and nation, we must begin with our children, as they are the beacons of hope for families as well as our entire State and country. Today, even a cursory look at their state is enough to tell us that we are failing miserably on this front,” said Borges.
He also explained in detail the various problems affecting the younger generation, like issues associated with vices and substance abuse.
Borges also spoke about what needs to be done to create the right supportive environment for children with disabilities.
He then listed various gaps that exist in the existing infrastructure in the State and why having counsellors can help meet these requirements.
“Today’s world is fast-moving, and our children are living in an era where human emotions are shared over the touch of a mobile phone. Here, new age problems – like cyber bulling, grooming, addiction, online child sexual abuse are on rise,” Borges added further.
“Protection of children is severally compromised with the State witnessing several sexual abuse cases, delayed reporting of sexual abuse cases, teenage pregnancies reported at advanced stages pointing out a frightened environment in schools,” said the Chairperson.
“It’s our earnest request to make counsellors, a vital part of the educational team, where children have adequate access to counsellors in every school. With their unique qualifications, counsellors can provide education, intervention, and referral services to children and even to parents and teachers,” said Borges.
He also explained that post the Covid-19 pandemic, GSCPCR engaged with stakeholders to understand the mental health needs of children.
“Everyone in the ecosystem was telling us tragic and heart-breaking stories. Mental illnesses have struck our children and we need to bring mental health into the classrooms,” Borges lamented.
