The death of a Class 10 student who was stabbed by a classmate in Ahmedabad two weeks ago has compelled many schools in Gujarat to enforce strict campus safety protocols.
According to reports, schools are now taking bullying incidents seriously. They are intensifying efforts to monitor what students bring to school.
Some schools confirmed to a national daily that existing restrictions on student belongings have been tightened. A director general of an international school revealed that frequent bag checks are now being conducted. Although many schools already banned certain items like steel water bottles and sharpeners, others that previously allowed scissors for junior class craft activities have now prohibited them.
A principal of a school said that all teachers have now been instructed to remain alert to any suspicious behaviour among students.
The principal added that the school has instructed teachers to oversee the surveillance footage as part of daily protocol.
He personally conducted training sessions for students. The module focused on anger management, emergency response, and life skills.
The daily reported that several schools in Ahmedabad have introduced a host of new measures: revised bullying policies, peer support programmes, structured and regular counselling sessions for students, teachers, and parents, as well as close monitoring of surveillance camera footage.
Institutions across various boards have now integrated counselling sessions, which were previously sidelined, into their regular functioning, with some even inviting psychologists to conduct proactive sessions for parents.
Policies are being updated to treat harassment as part of bullying.
Some schools have formed disciplinary committees that also include students and parents. Student members of these committees have been told to report any unusual activity in and around school campuses.
Mental health professionals, however, believe that limiting students to classrooms may not be productive.
Additionally, they said mental health discussions should be encouraged.
The general sentiment is that teachers, parents, and counsellors should collaborate deeply instead of operating in isolation.
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