Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, direct teaching in educational institutions has been stopped in the country for about 14 months. Online and distance learning methods are being run to continue the educational activities. Some schools and colleges are giving exams online on internal arrangements. There are about two and a half crore students across the country from pre-primary level to Class X. Besides, about 44 lakh more are studying at the higher secondary level. Most of these students are literally caged in houses during the pandemic. Many parents even do not allow their children to go to the playground. As a result of all these, the education of these students, who are isolated from their classmates, is being severely disrupted. Besides, their social, cultural and moral development has also come to a standstill. According to experts, there is a risk of psychological crisis in the students in this situation. Hence, special steps need to be taken to keep the children mentally healthy.
At present, online education is being conducted in many schools and colleges across the country, including the capital. But the students of many other institutions of the country are not getting this opportunity. Although students involved in online learning activities have an access to teachers in alternative means, students who do not have this opportunity may experience more instability. In fact, there have been many changes in almost all the children of the country during this crisis period. Those who are younger want to go back to schools, to the playground and to move out. Although affluent families can afford to various forms of educational entertainment for their children, poor families cannot.
In this context, the parents and guardians of poverty-stricken families are more concerned. In the current situation, various forms of stress and frustration can be created in the minds of children. The lack of a routine life can lead to a crisis of discipline among them. All these issues can cause personality problems. Moreover, when schools are closed, they lose an anchor in life and their symptoms could relapse. For some children with depression, there will be considerable difficulties adjusting back to normal life when school resumes. The authorities concerned should also pay a special attention to whether the frustration of some of them is at extreme level. Teachers as well as parents need to be especially vigilant in tackling the current crisis.
Indoor sports can be arranged to alleviate the frustration among children. In addition, there are various child programmes available online and on television. They can take part in them. Story books can be taught at home. There is a bigger advantage that many parents now are able to spend more time at home because of the lockdown. They can invest it positively behind the students. A far-reaching plan for children needs to be adopted in line with the reality of the pandemic. Along with ensuring their education, we need to find ways to keep them happy.
