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Mihir’s Story: A Glimpse into the crisis in classrooms Kerala
Let’s be honest. Mihir’s story is not an isolated case.
In Kerala alone, recent reports show:
- A 20% increase in ragging-related incidents in schools and colleges over the past three years.
- A rise in student suicides, with mental health issues like anxiety, depression, and
bullying being key contributors. - Growing cases of substance abuse among teenagers as a coping mechanism for emotional distress.
- Behind every statistic is a story, a child battling silent wars, unnoticed by the very people meant to protect them
Who Is Responsible for crisis in classrooms Kerala?
1. The Silent Homes:
2. The Broken Classrooms:
3. The Generation Gap That’s Becoming a Chasm:
4. Mental Health:The Elephant in Every Room:
- “They’re too young to be depressed.”
- “It’s just a phase.”
- “Boys don’t cry.” This stigma is killing our kids. Literally.
So, What Can We Do?
We can’t change the past, but we can rewrite the future. Here’s how:
1. Listen.. Really Listen:
Sometimes, all a child needs is to be heard. Ask open-ended questions:
• “How was your day?”
• “Did anything make you feel upset today?”
• “Is there something you want to talk about?”
And when they answer, don’t judge. Don’t dismiss. Just listen.
2. Schools Need to Be More Than Just Academics:
Mental health education should be part of the curriculum, just like math or science. Anti-bullying cells shouldn’t just exist on paper—they need to be active, accessible, and trustworthy.
3. Normalize Seeking Help:
Therapy isn’t a luxury; it’s a necessity. If your child had a fever, you’d take them to a doctor, right?
So why hesitate when it comes to mental health?
4. Monitor, But Don’t Control:
Instead of banning phones or social media, teach digital literacy. Help kids understand the difference between healthy and harmful online behaviour.
5. Community Matters:
It’s not just the family or the school’s job. Communities, neighbours, and even peers can create support networks where children feel seen, heard, and valued.
