Positive steps help cut student suicides in city

Updated on: Wednesday, July 27, 2011

After years of unrelenting surge, the disturbing trend of student suicides is finally receding. From 88 in 2008 and 82 in 2009 and a frightening high of 115 in 2010, the number of school -and college-goers in the city taking their lives dropped to 30 this year.

The new figures, which were recorded by the Mumbai police until July 20, have expectedly heartened parents, educationists and psychiatrists. For one, they show that the steps taken by schools and the state over the last year to spread awareness are working. Also, significantly, since the most stressful part of this year’s examination and results season is over, there is little likelihood of the student suicide figures rising now.

“A major factor behind this reduction was the awareness campaigns conducted by schools and NGOs across the city and state over the past one year,” said the principal of a suburban school on condition of anonymity. “Another positive change was the appointment of counsellors in schools. This made it easier for students to reach out for help.” These and similar measures were taken after a spate of student suicides rocked the city last year.

Shocked into action, the state and schools made every attempt to ease the great pressure on children. The education department introduced the part of the Right To Education Act that bans schools from failing students up to Class VIII, and implemented in several schools the Continuous Comprehensive Evaluation (CCE), which replaces exams with class work.

Female students suffer more stress

The number of stressed students deciding to end their lives has come as a huge relief to all. “Schools are now taking this issue very seriously. It is very good to see principals as well as the faculty taking extra care of students, especially those who are depressed. This cooperation helps the mental and emotional healing process of a student,” said psychiatrist Harish Shetty.

Still, some worries persist. The Mumbai police figures show that the female students committing suicide is greater than by male students. “Girls lead a more restricted lifestyle than boys. This leaves them with fewer chances of finding a proper support system, leaving them even more stressed,” said Shetty.

A recent study by a professor of St Teresa Institute of Education, Santa Cruz, revealed that girls studying in Class X are more stressed than boys.

“Our basic mandate is that students should get quality education in a stress-free environment. The aim is to make this system as student-friendly as possible,” said Sumit Mullick, principal education secretary, state school education department.

Positive steps help cut student suicides in city

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