In addition to other factors, exposure to negative content on social media has affected children, leading to a loss of their natural liveliness and feelings of loneliness. According to a survey, 36.9% of children have developed an aversion to attending school, while 55.2% of primary-level children have become “fearful or anxious” due to violent incidents.
These findings were shared at a discussion titled “Improving Mental Health of Primary School Students: Our Responsibility,” organized by Campaign for Popular Education (CAMPE) and BRAC Institute of Educational Development, at the Bangabandhu International Conference Center on Monday.
The survey revealed that 36.5% of students have become inattentive to studies, 28.6% have suffered mental distress, and 7.9% have become irritable.
The survey methodology included gathering opinions through questionnaires from stakeholders in 203 organizations across eight divisions of Bangladesh. Additionally, 12 discussions and consultations at both divisional and national levels contributed to the data collection process.
Professor Nazmul Haque, Director of the Teacher Development Institute, and Abdur Rauf, Program Manager at CAMPE, presented the survey findings. They noted that recent events such as students leaving school for street demonstrations, witnessing violence, vandalism, arson, and shootings, along with school closures and curfews, have had a traumatic impact on children’s mental health.
Dr. Bidhan Ranjan Roy Poddar, Advisor to the Ministry of Primary and Mass Education, announced as the chief guest that ten newly designed schools will be inaugurated this month to enhance the mental well-being of students. He stated, “We are decorating these schools uniquely to create an environment conducive to students’ mental health.”
The event was chaired by CAMPE’s Executive Director Rasheda K. Choudhury, who emphasized the importance of mental health in ensuring education for children. She stated that recommendations from the discussion will be submitted to the government for necessary action.
Other speakers included CAMPE’s Deputy Director Tapan Kumar Das, Senior Advisor at BRAC Institute of Educational Development Dr. Muhammad Musa, and Education Watch Convenor Dr. Ahmed Mushtaque Raja Chowdhury.
Principal Kazi Faruk Ahmed, a member of the 2010 National Education Policy Formulation Committee, pointed out that the curriculum reforms made prior to COVID-19 lacked stakeholder consultation, adversely affecting students. He added, “Mothers have now become teachers at home, so parents might also need training to ensure proper education for children.”
Teacher leader Abul Kashem proposed increasing cultural activities in schools to address these issues. He also recommended developing playgrounds for schools that lack them, suggesting that available land be repurposed to ensure children have spaces for play.
