FOR YOUTH, BY YOUTH
FOR YOUTH, BY YOUTH
FOR YOUTH, BY YOUTH
FOR YOUTH, BY YOUTH
In May 2025, three Class 6 students from a prominent private school in Gurgaon were for allegedly assaulting an 11‐year‐old classmate. According to the victim’s mother, the boy had been bullied by these classmates for over a year. On the day of the incident, they pushed him toward a wall, beat him, and one hit him on the left ear, causing a ruptured eardrum. The assault reportedly happened inside the school and in front of four teachers, none of whom intervened or immediately helped the victim.
To prevent incidents of physical bullying in schools, strict anti-bullying policies should be implemented, clearly defining unacceptable behavior and consequences, with students, teachers, and parents made aware of them. Teachers and staff must be trained to recognize bullying signs, manage classrooms non-violently, and intervene immediately when incidents occur. Schools should ensure proper supervision in playgrounds and corridors, provide safe spaces for students to report bullying, and use CCTV where necessary. Students should be educated through workshops on empathy, kindness, and conflict resolution, with peer mentoring programs to support younger students. Clear reporting systems and counseling for both victims and bullies are essential, along
with parental involvement. Finally, serious cases should be reported to authorities, with proper documentation maintained, to create a safe, accountable, and respectful school environment.
An 18-year-old student preparing for JEE allegedly hanged herself at her home in this coaching hub on Monday, leaving behind a suicide note saying “I am loser. I am worst daughter. Sorry mummy papa. Yahi last option he,” the note found in Niharika Singh's room.She was to give the JEE test in a day or two.The suicide note suggested she was under the stress of studies and found herself unable to tackle the exam.Her cousin said Niharika was under severe stress over the upcoming JEE test. She had to repeat her 12th class exam because she got a low score.However, she was good at studies and devoted seven or eight hours every day to them.Her grandmother knocked at the door of her room around 10 am. When there was no response, she raised an alarm. The family found her hanging from the ventilation window above the door.
To prevent such tragedies, it is essential to promote awareness about mental health among students, parents, and teachers, so that signs of stress, anxiety, or depression are recognized early. Schools and coaching centers should
provide access to professional counselors who can guide students in managing stress and coping with academic pressure. Reducing exam-centric pressure by valuing learning and effort over marks, encouraging a healthy study-life balance, and ensuring regular breaks, hobbies, and adequate sleep can help students maintain mental stability. Parents should focus on emotional support, listening to their child’s feelings, and reinforcing their self-worth beyond academic performance. Peer support networks also play a crucial role in preventing isolation, while helplines and emergency mental health services should be made widely known and easily accessible. Finally, educational reforms that allow flexibility in exams and minimize punitive measures for low scores, combined with teaching students to cultivate a positive self-image and pursue interests beyond studies, can create a safer and more supportive environment for young learners.
On 12 and 13 August 2024, a 23-year-old male cleaner employed at the school on a contractual basis allegedly assaulted two pre-primary students in the school's washroom. The incidents were brought to light when one of the victims complained of pain to her parents, which led to the discovery that a second girl had also been assaulted.
To prevent such harassment in schools, it is crucial to implement strict safety and monitoring measures along with awareness programs. Schools should thoroughly screen and verify all staff members, including contractual workers, before hiring, and conduct regular background checks. Proper supervision in sensitive areas like washrooms, corridors, and playgrounds is essential, along with installing CCTV cameras in common areas while ensuring privacy in toilets. Students should be taught age-appropriate safety and self-protection skills, including how to report any uncomfortable or suspicious behavior. Schools must also establish clear reporting mechanisms so children and parents can immediately inform authorities without fear, and ensure quick legal action under laws like the POCSO Act. Additionally, fostering a culture of awareness and open communication among teachers, staff, parents, and students can create a safer environment and reduce the risk of abuse.