____________________________ Reliance Foundation School-English Medium, Lodhivali. ____________________________
Monday, August 21, 2017
Friday, August 11, 2017
Mumbai, it's time to focus on your kids' mental health
Ismat Tahseen |
There's nothing more tragic
than a young life cut short. In April, 24-year-old college student
Vishal Bhardwaj had shocked Mumbai by announcing his suicide on social
media, barely moments before jumping off a high-rise hotel in Bandra.
And last week saw Mumbai grappling
last week saw Mumbai grappling with the news of another tragic death. In
the latest incident, a 14-year-old boy leaped to his death from the
terrace of the building in which he stayed. The cops are still probing
if the boy , Manpreet Sahans, was playing the dangerous `Blue Whale'
dare-based game or if there was another reason that triggered the act.
Amid speculation about how children are more vulnerable to the dark side
of the web, these incidents also highlight the alarming need for
greater support for the city's kids and preteens, in order to help them
overcome mental health issues that they may go through.
`SYMPTOMS OF DEPRESSION CAN BE HIDDEN'
In the case of Manpreet, reports state that he was regular with academics and extracurricular activities. He also loved basketball and cricket and cracking jokes with his friends. In short, there was no visible signs of depression. However, city-based psychiatrist Dr Harish Shetty says, “The symptoms of depression and other mental health issues can be just as much hidden in kids and teens as adults. And often, they are ignored. So many parents say , `We did not know or child is depressed; we thought he's just being quiet'.There are red flags to watch out for. Look for these symptoms --poor concentration that starts suddenly , talking about wanting to meet God, surfing sites for suicidal methods, wanting to run away from the house in a suicide statement, sudden anger and irritability towards parents, clinging excessively to parents or teachers, picking fights with rickshaw drivers and non-teaching staff, wanting to explore the upper stories in a school or other buildings, losing weight and developing either an excessive or poor appetite, apart from sadness and crying. Another rare symptom is sympathising with those who have already harmed themselves and supporting their action. If you see these, con sult mental health professionals and not an astrologer,“ he warns. “Often, when a nor mally aggres sive child becomes extremely well behaved, it's time to go for a mental health screen ing,“ he adds.
SHOCKING STATS `HELPLINE CALLS FROM YOUNGSTERS ON THE RISE'
Johnson Thomas, who works for a Mumbai-based helpline for suicide prevention, says, “In the last one week alone, we have received close to 180 calls a day , of which 45 were from young adults in the 14 25 age group.
There are kids who say that they are depressed and can not study. Some even talk of wanting to end their lives. The reasons may vary , but it's mostly about being alone, losing friends and not feeling like doing anything. These kids want to consult counsellors, but are afraid of how their families will react. Since they are too young to reach counsellors on their own, it's the parents' responsibility to understand their plight. What is even more disturbing is that we have also been getting calls from teens, who want to play the Blue Whale game as it has garnered so much negative attention.For those who are on the verge of depression, this can be fatal. We are actually looking at a ticking time bomb that may explode if access to the game is not denied and if adults do not look at depression as a wakeup call.“
IMMEDIATE NEED OUR CITY HAS NO SUPPORT GROUPS FOR THE YOUNGER LOT
The emotional well-being of youngsters is largely ignored, feel experts.Dr Aleeka Kumar, psychodynamic psychotherapist, says, “ Apart from the school counsellor, we don't see any help being available for them. There is also a lack of understanding about therapy and mental help. When it comes to therapy , parents still think, `There is something is wrong with my child'. So, as adults, we need to acknowledge that emotional wellbeing is as crucial for development and survival. Why don't parents come together and form an informal support group and include a therapist as part of it? Mumbai is a city of initiatives, why can't this happen?“
THE WAY OUT `GO FOR REGULAR CHECK-UPS, WHY WAIT UNTIL RISK ARISES?'
The need of the hour is regular mental health check-ups. Do not wait to consult a counsellor till you realise that someone is at a risk of ending his life. Developmental pediatrician Anjana Thadani says that many lives can be saved if parents, teachers or even friends act on the symptoms. “We have been neglecting mental health issues of kids and adolescents all this while. Do not ignore their mood changes and swing into action right away . Always keep the channel of communication open and take your kids for mental health check-ups on a half-yearly basis,“ she advises.
In the case of Manpreet, reports state that he was regular with academics and extracurricular activities. He also loved basketball and cricket and cracking jokes with his friends. In short, there was no visible signs of depression. However, city-based psychiatrist Dr Harish Shetty says, “The symptoms of depression and other mental health issues can be just as much hidden in kids and teens as adults. And often, they are ignored. So many parents say , `We did not know or child is depressed; we thought he's just being quiet'.There are red flags to watch out for. Look for these symptoms --poor concentration that starts suddenly , talking about wanting to meet God, surfing sites for suicidal methods, wanting to run away from the house in a suicide statement, sudden anger and irritability towards parents, clinging excessively to parents or teachers, picking fights with rickshaw drivers and non-teaching staff, wanting to explore the upper stories in a school or other buildings, losing weight and developing either an excessive or poor appetite, apart from sadness and crying. Another rare symptom is sympathising with those who have already harmed themselves and supporting their action. If you see these, con sult mental health professionals and not an astrologer,“ he warns. “Often, when a nor mally aggres sive child becomes extremely well behaved, it's time to go for a mental health screen ing,“ he adds.
SHOCKING STATS `HELPLINE CALLS FROM YOUNGSTERS ON THE RISE'
Johnson Thomas, who works for a Mumbai-based helpline for suicide prevention, says, “In the last one week alone, we have received close to 180 calls a day , of which 45 were from young adults in the 14 25 age group.
There are kids who say that they are depressed and can not study. Some even talk of wanting to end their lives. The reasons may vary , but it's mostly about being alone, losing friends and not feeling like doing anything. These kids want to consult counsellors, but are afraid of how their families will react. Since they are too young to reach counsellors on their own, it's the parents' responsibility to understand their plight. What is even more disturbing is that we have also been getting calls from teens, who want to play the Blue Whale game as it has garnered so much negative attention.For those who are on the verge of depression, this can be fatal. We are actually looking at a ticking time bomb that may explode if access to the game is not denied and if adults do not look at depression as a wakeup call.“
IMMEDIATE NEED OUR CITY HAS NO SUPPORT GROUPS FOR THE YOUNGER LOT
The emotional well-being of youngsters is largely ignored, feel experts.Dr Aleeka Kumar, psychodynamic psychotherapist, says, “ Apart from the school counsellor, we don't see any help being available for them. There is also a lack of understanding about therapy and mental help. When it comes to therapy , parents still think, `There is something is wrong with my child'. So, as adults, we need to acknowledge that emotional wellbeing is as crucial for development and survival. Why don't parents come together and form an informal support group and include a therapist as part of it? Mumbai is a city of initiatives, why can't this happen?“
THE WAY OUT `GO FOR REGULAR CHECK-UPS, WHY WAIT UNTIL RISK ARISES?'
The need of the hour is regular mental health check-ups. Do not wait to consult a counsellor till you realise that someone is at a risk of ending his life. Developmental pediatrician Anjana Thadani says that many lives can be saved if parents, teachers or even friends act on the symptoms. “We have been neglecting mental health issues of kids and adolescents all this while. Do not ignore their mood changes and swing into action right away . Always keep the channel of communication open and take your kids for mental health check-ups on a half-yearly basis,“ she advises.
Source : Aug 08 2017
:
The Times of India
(NaviMumbai)
--
SMARTPHONES ARE RENDERING TEENAGERS LONELY AND DISTRESSED
|
|
|
IANS
|
Teenagers today are working
less, have fewer relationships and are far less happy than previous
generations because of increased use of smartphones, says a social
psychologist who has been researching generational differences for 25
years.Jean Twenge says there is evidence that the devices we have placed
in young people's hands are having profound effects on their lives and
making them unhappy .
The statistics are alarming.While only 56 per
cent of high school seniors dated in 2015, compared to 85 per cent for
Gen Xers and Baby Boomers, the number of teenagers who spend daily time
with friends dropped by 40 per cent between 2000 and 2015, it said.
The decline in dating tracks with a decline in sexual activity.
While this might have had a positive impact on teenage birth rate, which hit an all-time low in 2016, down 67 per cent since its modern peak in 1991, Twenge said that increased smartphone use is also linked to loneliness and depression among the post-millennial generation. Today's teenagers are also working less than their predecessors and driving less, often depending on parents for the rides, according to research. So, if they are not meeting their friends, working less, and not often going on a date, what are they doing with all that time? They are on their phone, in their room, alone and often distressed, Twenge said.
While this might have had a positive impact on teenage birth rate, which hit an all-time low in 2016, down 67 per cent since its modern peak in 1991, Twenge said that increased smartphone use is also linked to loneliness and depression among the post-millennial generation. Today's teenagers are also working less than their predecessors and driving less, often depending on parents for the rides, according to research. So, if they are not meeting their friends, working less, and not often going on a date, what are they doing with all that time? They are on their phone, in their room, alone and often distressed, Twenge said.
Source : Aug 09 2017
:
The Times of India
(NaviMumbai)
Link : http://epaperbeta.timesofindia.com/Article.aspx?eid=31840&articlexml=SMARTPHONES-ARE-RENDERING-TEENAGERS-LONELY-AND-DISTRESSED-09082017105033#
Thursday, August 10, 2017
Tuesday, August 1, 2017
‘Udaan’ to boost enrolment of girl students in engg
By : Litha Thampy | TNN | Jul 26, 2017, 11:50 PM IST
Indore: To boost enrolment of girls in engineering colleges Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE)
has decided to assist girl students in preparation for entrance
examinations of premier engineering colleges through its project-Udaan.
The CBSE will set up four centres across Madhya Pradesh for the project. Indore, Bhopal, Jabalpur and Tikamgarh will be the four centers. Indore's Vidyasagar School, Bhopal's Girls School, Gyan Ganga International School in Jabalpur and Jawahar Navodaya Vidhyalaya in Tikamgarh have been selected by the board as Udaan centres in the state.
Girl students enrolled in Class XI in physics, chemistry and mathematics stream with a minimum of 70% marks in Class X overall and 80% marks in science and mathematics with a minimum CGPA of eight and a GPA of nine can enroll for the project.
The selected students will have access to an online portal, which will be organised on the basis of Class XI and XII syllabus with three subject streams - physics, chemistry and mathematics.
This portal will have content in the form of videos, tutorials and text. Concepts will be organised based on the learning taking place in the classroom as per the syllabus of Class XI and XII
Meanwhile it is not just CBSE students, who stand to benefit. Selected girl students in class XI and XII from other boards will also be provided free assistance to prepare for the IIT-JEE.
In a novel initiative, if selected students score well in weekly tests conducted by the CBSE, then the points accrued will be redeemed as fees in an IIT or NIT. "Udaan project provides a platform to empower girl students to join prestigious educational institutions like IITs and NITs," said CBSE helpline counsellor from the state Jaydeb Kar.
Under the project, CBSE will assist students by providing them free online and offline support. Selected girls will be provided with tablets that have preloaded content, besides regular tutorials, study materials and assessments.
The CBSE will set up four centres across Madhya Pradesh for the project. Indore, Bhopal, Jabalpur and Tikamgarh will be the four centers. Indore's Vidyasagar School, Bhopal's Girls School, Gyan Ganga International School in Jabalpur and Jawahar Navodaya Vidhyalaya in Tikamgarh have been selected by the board as Udaan centres in the state.
Girl students enrolled in Class XI in physics, chemistry and mathematics stream with a minimum of 70% marks in Class X overall and 80% marks in science and mathematics with a minimum CGPA of eight and a GPA of nine can enroll for the project.
The selected students will have access to an online portal, which will be organised on the basis of Class XI and XII syllabus with three subject streams - physics, chemistry and mathematics.
This portal will have content in the form of videos, tutorials and text. Concepts will be organised based on the learning taking place in the classroom as per the syllabus of Class XI and XII
Meanwhile it is not just CBSE students, who stand to benefit. Selected girl students in class XI and XII from other boards will also be provided free assistance to prepare for the IIT-JEE.
In a novel initiative, if selected students score well in weekly tests conducted by the CBSE, then the points accrued will be redeemed as fees in an IIT or NIT. "Udaan project provides a platform to empower girl students to join prestigious educational institutions like IITs and NITs," said CBSE helpline counsellor from the state Jaydeb Kar.
Under the project, CBSE will assist students by providing them free online and offline support. Selected girls will be provided with tablets that have preloaded content, besides regular tutorials, study materials and assessments.
There will also be constant monitoring and tracking of student progress with feedback to parents, besides interactive sessions with peers and teachers. A helpline will allow students to clarify doubts at any point. The selection will be based on merit-cum-economic criterion.
Under the programme, CBSE has appointed principals and teachers as coordinators in each state.
Source : http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/indore/udaan-to-boost-enrolment-of-girl-students-in-engg/articleshow/59780074.cms
Heavy school bags in Maharashtra CBSE, ICSE schools: State to seek centre’s intervention
School Education Minister Vinod Tawde had announced on Friday that the weight of school bags of students studying under the state board (SSC) were not heavy due to a resolution passes by the state two years ago following the Bombay High court's directions.
By: Express Web Desk | New Delhi |
Published:July 29, 2017 12:56 pm
Congress’ Sanjay Dutt also voiced that heavy schoolbags can result in long-term medical issues.
School Education Minister Vinod Tawde had announced on Friday that the weight of school bags of students studying under the state board (SSC) were not heavy due to a resolution passes by the state two years ago following the Bombay High court’s directions. He said that 94 per cent of school bags in the state are now considerably lighter.
Since CBSE and ICSE affiliated schools do not come under the state’s jurisdiction, there has been no change in the issue, Tawde said adding that the state government will seek audience with the HRD minister before the end of August to check this issue.
Source: http://indianexpress.com/article/education/heavy-school-bags-in-maharashtra-cbse-icse-schools-state-to-seek-centre-intervention-4772555/
CBSE considering holding X & XII board exams simultaneously
Abhishek Choudhari | TNN | Jul 31, 2017, 02:15 AM IST
Nagpur: If everything goes according to plan, CBSE may conduct its Std
X and XII board exams on the same date in future. A CBSE official said
the suggestion had emerged from a meeting with some school principals
and is being actively considered.
CBSE spokesperson Rama Sharma said, "The suggestion is being referred to the committee constituted to give suggestions on systemic improvement of the evaluation process in future board exams." City schools say, if implemented, this move will definitely help in managing logistics better.
Anmol Badjatia, principal of Jain International, said, "In Nagpur, very few schools are exam centres, so there is definitely a load on resources. If exams are conducted in two shifts, then this might be possible and they will be able to utilize the infrastructure. But two different shifts will definitely be needed to do it."
Plex John, principal of Edify School, said, "Already, university level exams are conducted in this manner. The BA first year paper will be in the morning whereas second year paper will be in the afternoon. So, if it is done as per the shift system, there will be a lot of benefit to everyone."
Swati Chauhan, principal of Central India Public School (Kamptee Road), said, "I think manpower can be managed much better if this is done."
Another point of view emerging is that managing logistics won't be that easy since exam duration does not provide a complete picture. Shilpee Ganguly, principal of Centre Point School (Katol Road), said, "Students are in the exam room for 3.5 hours, which includes their pre-exam time as well. Apart from this, we need one hour to prepare everything for a crucial exam as this, which requires 4.5 hours. And then Std X students will need to be out of the campus completely before the second shift of Std XII exam starts, and that time also needs to be accounted for. It can be done, if it has to be, but it's not a feasible option."
The other change CBSE is planning is to advance the board exams to February, from current March. This will help CBSE to wrap up exams a month earlier and leave enough time to deal with revaluation (if any) issues and declare early results. Schools say this will result in students getting almost a month less for revision. Ganguly said, "Syllabus is completed in every school by December and if this new rule comes into affect then we'll have to wrap up by November."
CBSE spokesperson Rama Sharma said, "The suggestion is being referred to the committee constituted to give suggestions on systemic improvement of the evaluation process in future board exams." City schools say, if implemented, this move will definitely help in managing logistics better.
Anmol Badjatia, principal of Jain International, said, "In Nagpur, very few schools are exam centres, so there is definitely a load on resources. If exams are conducted in two shifts, then this might be possible and they will be able to utilize the infrastructure. But two different shifts will definitely be needed to do it."
Plex John, principal of Edify School, said, "Already, university level exams are conducted in this manner. The BA first year paper will be in the morning whereas second year paper will be in the afternoon. So, if it is done as per the shift system, there will be a lot of benefit to everyone."
Swati Chauhan, principal of Central India Public School (Kamptee Road), said, "I think manpower can be managed much better if this is done."
Another point of view emerging is that managing logistics won't be that easy since exam duration does not provide a complete picture. Shilpee Ganguly, principal of Centre Point School (Katol Road), said, "Students are in the exam room for 3.5 hours, which includes their pre-exam time as well. Apart from this, we need one hour to prepare everything for a crucial exam as this, which requires 4.5 hours. And then Std X students will need to be out of the campus completely before the second shift of Std XII exam starts, and that time also needs to be accounted for. It can be done, if it has to be, but it's not a feasible option."
The other change CBSE is planning is to advance the board exams to February, from current March. This will help CBSE to wrap up exams a month earlier and leave enough time to deal with revaluation (if any) issues and declare early results. Schools say this will result in students getting almost a month less for revision. Ganguly said, "Syllabus is completed in every school by December and if this new rule comes into affect then we'll have to wrap up by November."
17000 CBSE schools may see change as PMO pushes for military-model training
Pushing for sainik school-type learning to promote discipline, physical education, patriotic outlook
Factchecker Team
August 1, 2017 Last Updated at 08:52 IST
Around 17,000 Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE)-affiliated
schools across the country could be the testing ground after the Prime
Minister’s Office (PMO) asked the ministry of human resources to consider replicating the model of sainik schools (military schools) in all schools across the country.
The PMO was pushing for sainik school-type learning to promote discipline, physical education and a patriotic outlook among students.
There are 25 sainik schools across the country, according to the 2016-17 annual report of the defence ministry.
The schools, run by Sainik Schools Society, admit students based on entrance tests held in January every year.
“Approximately one-fourth of cadets in each batch of National Defence Academy (NDA) are from sainik Schools,” the annual report of the defence ministry said.
“For the 136th NDA/ INA course, which commenced in July 2016, a total of 102 cadets from all sainik Schools have joined the NDA and Naval Academy”.
The human resources ministry is keen to develop the model initially in Kendriya Vidyalayas (KVs or central schools) and Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalayas (JNVs) under the control of the CBSE, Indian Express reported on July 21, 2017.
The ministry is of the view that it would be easier to replicate such elements in JNVs, which are also residential schools.
To make kids aware of sexual abuse, CBSE asks schools to screen Komal
Meanwhile, the circular further states that the schools may download the film or stream it live from the links given above, preferrably at the time of the whole school assembly.
Written by Himani Bahuguna | Chandigarh |
Published:July 30, 2017 3:37 am
Talking to Chandigarh Newsline, as if the Commission would ensure implementation of the circular in city schools, Professor Nishtha Jaswal, member of the Chandigarh Commission for Protection of Child Rights (CCPCR), said, “We would certainly ensure that the schools should screen the film and with this, the commission has already been working hard to make sure that each child along with their parents are aware of the POCSO Act as only the awareness can stop the increasing sexual offences.”
She further stated, “On Monday, the commission would be meeting and we would make sure that the education department follows the directions given by the CBSE. It has always been a big problem that the directions are left on paper only and not implemented. But, this time, we will ensure that the directions are followed so that not only the children but also the parents get sensitised about the issue. We will also hold a meeting with the education department over this.”
“With the aim of ensuring speedy action on POCSO complaints and sensitising city residents about the sexual offences, the region’s first POCSO Cell has been set up by CCPCR and with this, the commission has already been organising workshops at the city government schools, teaching the students about good and bad touch,” said Pramod Sharma, CCPCR member.
Meanwhile, the circular further states that the schools may download the film or stream it live from the links given above, preferrably at the time of the whole school assembly. It is expected that the schools would ensure that every child of the school views this instructive and informative film so that they are in a better position to help and protect not just themselves but also their friends in any such situation, if occurs.
Make parents aware of POCSO
With this, the board has also directed that the schools should make both the students and their patents aware of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) E-Box developed by CCPCR. POCSO E-Box facilitates easy and direct reporting of sexual offences against children and by children themselves so that offenders can be taken under POCSO Act, 2012.
The board has directed that the schools should ensure that the parents are made aware about the E-Box on POCSO and Child Abuse at parent-teacher meeting. Also, the information on E-Box should be placed on notice board/school magazine/walls of the school. The school counsellors should be made aware about the E-Box and the students should also be briefed about the E-Box during assemblies.
Source : http://indianexpress.com/article/cities/chandigarh/to-make-kids-aware-of-sexual-abuse-cbse-asks-schools-to-screen-komal-4773506/
No proposal by CBSE to advance board exams: HRD ministry
This issue prompted the board to set up two committees to analyse the process and suggest measures to rectify the loopholes. “The idea will be studied taking into consideration various processes and preparations in the administration of exams,” the official added.
CBSE has last month said that they will not take any decision without consultations with various stakeholders including schools.
The response comes at a time when various schools raised concerns following reports filed on the exam will be held in February. Keeping rumours aside, the minister clarified they have no such plans. CBSE has last month said that they will not take any decision without consultations with various stakeholders including schools.
The exam advancement idea emerged due to the complaints about faulty evaluation process that happened this year.
This issue prompted the board to set up two committees to analyse the process and suggest measures to rectify the loopholes. “The idea will be studied taking into consideration various processes and preparations in the administration of exams,” the official added.
After complaints by students of evaluation faults in their class 12 exam papers, the CBSE had last month set up two committees to study loopholes in the evaluation process.
By: Express Web Desk | New Delhi | Published:July 27, 2017 4:39 pm
Source: http://indianexpress.com/article/education/no-proposal-by-cbse-to-advance-board-exams-hrd-ministry/
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