Emotional support vital for pupils’ overall development

Ajay Joshi
Tribune News Service
Jalandhar, november 20

Emphasising ‘Listen, empathise and rephrase’ as the key points of becoming mindful teachers, consultant psychiatrist Simmi Waraich on Tuesday acquainted educationists with psychological disorders that are seen among children. 

In the Principals Meet organised by The Tribune Group of Newspapers, in collaboration with Chitkara University, on Tuesday, principals of various schools discussed the challenges that teachers face while dealing with children suffering from psychological disorders. 

The session centred on ‘Childhood 

Psychological Disorders — Identification and Management’brought school heads  together to discuss constructive strategies for the overall development of children. Waraich, the keynote speaker, also introduced the principals to child psychology using case studies. 

Important issues concerning emotional support, psychological needs, positive motivation, sensitivity towards mental health and setting goals were discussed. Educators also spoke on various activities conducted in their institutions that helped them understand student behaviour. 

Waraich advised principals to be cautious and identify symptoms shown by victims of child abuse. She further elaborated that child abuse led to aggression, hostility or hyperactivity among students. According to her, it affected students’ performance and resulted in loss of self confidence, social withdrawal and aroused physical pain even in absence of ailment. Avoiding certain situations or refusing to go to school and unusual fears were some of the symptoms shown by child abuse victims that teachers must be vigilant about, she said. Teachers were told to make students aware of their body parts, as well as make them understand good and bad touch.

Seeking a solution for children dealing with low self-esteem and learning disorders, Richa Sharma, Principal, Cambridge International School, raised her concern about suicidal thoughts prevalent among children. Answering this, Waraich said, “Self-harming behaviour and isolation are prime symptoms of suicidal thoughts that need to be identified at an early stage. Subsequently, parents need to be informed about it and counsellors should help children.”

Waraich also threw light on drug abuse and advised teachers to sensitise the senior secondary students to different kinds of drugs and hazards posed by their use. 

A Principals Meet on 'Childhood Psychological Disorders — Identification and Management' was organised by The Tribune Group of Newspapers, in collaboration with Chitkara University, in Jalandhar, on Wednesday. As many as 42 principals from Jalandhar, Kapurthala, Phagwara, Hoshiarpur, Kartarpur, Garhshankar and Banga schools participated in the event that highlighted the core psychological disorders faced by teenagers.

Interactive session: Consultant psychiatrist Simmi Waraich discussed with the principals behavioural aspects of students. 

Urging the teachers to be open to listening, Waraich said, "Cases of depression and anxiety are increasing among children due to competition and nuclear families. This results in poor support network due to which children experience low self-esteem." 

Know the problem: Waraich also apprised school heads of the symptoms of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), dyslexia, dysgraphia, dyscalculia, as well as child abuse and pervasive developmental disorders such as autism and Asperger's.

Communicate with students: For the effective management of these psychological disorders, Waraich advised the teachers to talk as much as they can with students. She said schools must give tips to parents on dealing with socially anxious children.

Teach life skills: The principals were also told to organise classes on life skills and focus on remedial education. She emphasised the importance of emotional intelligence in academics. Terming the session fruitful, the principals thanked the speaker for suggesting measures to prevent mental health issues among children.

Educationistspeak

The session will help impart better education to students. Practical case studies help understand issues faced by children. Parents and teachers must help pupils cope with anxiety. — Richa Sharma, Cambridge Int’l School For Girls, Jalandhar

Life skills need to be inculcated among pupils. Interactive sessions with students should be organised. Use a simple instruction: Give one task at a time. Make eye contact while speaking to children. — Jaswinder Kaur, Dayanand Model School, Jalandhar 

The session highlighted learning disorders that should be identified as early as possible. These issues are common in boys so they should be involved in productive activities. — Ravi Sharma, DAV Public School, Bilga

Psychological problems faced by students should be addressed on priority. Teachers should focus on making children emotionally strong. It’s important that pupils open up to counsellors. — MUnish Jain, Lord Mahavir Jain  School, Phagwara 

The session brought into consideration clinical problems that go unnoticed. Mental health, depression and anxiety should not be ignored. Expert help must be sought if the need arises. — Manjinder Singh, St Soldier School, Friends Colony

Children should be given space for self realisation after they commit mistakes. They should be given opportunities to express their feelings openly. Avoid criticising pupils in front of everyone. — Shaloo Sehgal, Innocent Hearts School, Lohara 

Students should not be categorised as dull, intelligent, mischievous and average, as it lowers their self-esteem. Children of all age groups should be educated on emotional challenges.  — Anju Mehta, Swami Sant Dass School, Phagwara