School Safety, Mental Health: A Growing Concern?

School Safety and Mental Health

There was a time when parents worried about their children’s marks, friendships and future. Today, they have a much bigger fear: Will their children return home safely from school?

The horrific incident at Raptadu in Anantapur district has once again exposed how vulnerable our children can be. A 21-year-old man allegedly entered a government school carrying a power saw and attacked a Class 10 girl inside her classroom. Another student who tried to save her was also injured. Children who went to school for an ordinary day of lessons ended up witnessing something deeply traumatic.

Just days ago, Haryana witnessed another shocking school incident. A six-year-old girl was brutally attacked by an eight-year-old student inside the school premises.

Two incidents in different states. Two schools that were supposed to be safe. And countless parents now wondering whether their children are protected.

Violence is becoming frighteningly familiar

Open social media today, and it is difficult to escape videos of brutal attacks, harassment, bullying and cruelty. Such content is circulated for views and engagement. We watch, react and move on. But what is this constant exposure doing to young minds? What are our children watching? What are they learning about anger, respect and human life? Parents, schools and society must take these questions seriously. We cannot ignore troubling behaviour and wait for something terrible to happen.

Where is the security inside our schools?

How can an outsider enter a school with a dangerous weapon and reach a classroom? Who is responsible for monitoring entry points? Are security arrangements actually being followed?

The government must conduct security audits across schools, ensure proper visitor verification, appoint security personnel and establish emergency response systems. CCTV cameras alone cannot guarantee safety. There must be accountability and regular monitoring.

Mental health support must become part of education

There is another important issue we cannot overlook. Every school has teachers for mathematics, science and languages. But why don’t we have qualified child psychologists and trained mental health counsellors as a regular part of the education system?

Children go through stress, anxiety, peer pressure, family problems, academic competition and emotional struggles. Examination time is particularly difficult for many students. A trained counsellor can help them manage exam pressure, overcome anxiety, build confidence and approach studies without feeling overwhelmed.

Regular counselling can also help identify behavioural changes, emotional distress and other concerns at an early stage. It should never be treated as a punishment or something meant only for troubled children. Mental health support must be as normal as academic guidance.

How many more incidents before we wake up?

The government must go beyond condemning incidents after they happen. Parents must pay attention to their children’s emotional development. Schools must take responsibility for both physical safety and mental well-being.

Today, families are suffering, children are traumatised and parents are frightened. A school should be a place where children learn, grow and dream about their future.

We spend years preparing children to succeed in life. It is time we also start preparing them to live with empathy, emotional strength and respect for others. Most importantly, we must make sure they are safe enough to have a childhood.