In view of the increasing cases of stress, depression and suicide among students, Delhi government is going to take a big step. The government will launch its 'Mental Health and Wellbeing Policy' this month. Along with schools, colleges and universities will also be included in the scope of this policy. Its objective is to timely identify mental health related problems in children and youth and provide them appropriate counseling.
Will be launched in the coming week
Delhi's Education and Sports Minister Ashish Sood said that the government is serious about this policy and it will be launched in the coming week. The need for such a policy has been felt after several cases of suicide involving children and youth have come to light in recent times. According to the minister, instead of ignoring the mental problems of students, it will be the priority of the government to identify them in time and provide them proper help.
The focus will be on everything from cyber bullying to peer pressure.
Different causes of mental stress of students will be included in the new policy. These mainly include:
Cyber Bullying: Harassment that occurs on social media and the Internet.
Peer Pressure: Coming under pressure from friends and peers.
Comparison Stress: Mental distress caused by comparing oneself with other students.
Physical and mental problems: Increased stress due to health problems.
Domestic problems: Problems related to family and home environment.
Delhi's Education and Sports Minister Ashish Sood said that through this policy, a strong system regarding mental health will be created in the capital. In this, emphasis will be laid on necessary counselling, training of teachers, awareness campaign and ensuring availability of adequate number of counsellors.
Focus on everything from counseling to teachers training
According to the Education Minister, under the new policy the causes of mental stress in children and youth will be identified in time. Topics like cyber bullying, peer pressure, stress of comparison with others, physical and mental problems and domestic problems are included in it. The aim of the government is that any student can get help and counseling at the right time before his problems become serious. For this, teachers will also be given special training, so that they can understand the changes in the behavior and mental problems of the students.
Preparation for the policy was going on since last year
Work on this policy started from November last year. Actually, a class 10 student of St. Columbus School had committed suicide by jumping from the metro station. After this incident, questions were raised regarding the mental health of students, sensitive behavior of teachers and counseling and monitoring system in schools. After this incident, the Education Minister had talked about formulating a strong policy regarding mental health in schools. Later, higher education institutions i.e. colleges and universities were also included in the scope of this scheme.
What will be the role of school management and teachers?
It has been clarified in the new policy that schools will be enabled to identify mental health related problems. Under this, responsibilities of teachers, counselors, school management and other concerned parties have been determined.
System for filing complaints: Smart complaint system will be developed to bring forward the problems of students.
Immediate action: On receiving the complaint, necessary steps will be taken in time.
Immediate counselling: Students suffering from mental stress will be provided immediate counselling.
Vigilance of teachers: Teachers will be trained to recognize the early signs of mental distress in students.
Community Healing: There will be an emphasis on providing collective support and a positive environment to the students.
Help from experts: If needed, help from psychologists and psychiatrists will be taken.
AI and digital challenges also included in the policy
In today's era, children and youth are constantly connected to the internet, social media and digital technology. In such a situation, the challenges related to mental health are also changing. The Delhi government has also included problems related to Artificial Intelligence (AI) and digital technology in this initiative. The policy has given special attention to issues like cyber bullying, online harassment and cyber crime. The measures have been designed keeping in mind the needs of Gen-Z and Generation Alpha children who are active on the internet and social media.
Policy prepared with the suggestions of these institutions
Suggestions from many important institutions and mental health experts have been taken in preparing this policy. These include Child Protection Committee, Delhi Commission for Protection of Child Rights (DCPCR), CBSE, Institute of Human Behavior and Allied Sciences (IHBAS) and mental health experts. Delhi government will implement this policy in schools, colleges and universities in a phased manner. Its objective is to identify mental health problems at an early stage and provide timely appropriate support to children and youth.
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