Experts: Take care of children’s mind, include mental well-being in school curriculum
Times of India | 8 January 2026
Kolkata: Mental health issues should be addressed right from school and that modules on mental well-being should be included in curriculum that could help children focus on communications, work together, share and think out of the box, leading to their holistic development, said experts at the closing day of the 103rd annual conference of the Association of Heads of Anglo-Indian Schools on Wednesday. They also suggested interactive lessons and concentration-building exercises.
The rising prevalence of depression among schoolchildren and the ill effects of online gaming as well as screen addiction were major concerns among teachers. Pointing out that mental health as part of school curriculum would definitely help, instead of relying solely on school counsellors to take care of children's mental well-being, a teacher said some students faced difficulties paying attention even during a 40- or 45-minute class. Several principals said online gaming addiction sometimes affected classroom atmosphere and some even displayed attention-seeking traits during lessons.
Psychiatrist Sanjay Garg and psychologist Srishti Saha agreed that mental well-being was of utmost importance that should be addressed from early childhood and that the earlier an issue, if any, was diagnosed the faster therapy could be started.
Garg urged schools to incorporate mental health into the school curriculum to support students' mental well-being. He cited a study, showing 52.3% of a group of schoolchildren surveyed in 2023 had depression, 47.4% anxiety and 33.7% stress. The study also showed that 16.1% among those youngsters had extremely severe depression and 10.8% severe anxiety. "Use of gadgets from early childhood leads to attention and concentration issues. Schools need to make classes more interactive by adding attractive elements through colours and activities so that students stay engaged. Students of different age groups are struggling with attention, so changes like giving two breaks instead of one or reducing class hours can help children connect with the classroom atmosphere," Garg said. "Schools can use more interactive models, smart boards and other tools and incorporate concentration-building exercises."
Saha pointed out many children dealt with loneliness as both parents worked. "We need to identify an issue first and then act."
Several school principals present said they were incorporating more co-curricular activities. La Martiniere for Girls' principal Rupkatha Sarkar said, "We always keep an eye on students' mental well-being. We have incorporated several activities to make learning joyful." Terence John, director of education and development, Julien Day School, said, "We tell students not to sit in one place for too long and to stretch their legs after 20-25 minutes. We have a counsellor who have talks with children from time to time."