When schools are unsafe: The urgent need to protect children

Bengaluru

Bengaluru has witnessed two tragic student deaths in July alone, raising serious concerns about child safety in educational institutions. A Class 6 student died after allegedly facing harsh punishment and mistreatment by a teacher at a residential school in North Bengaluru, while a Class 8 student from Anekal died by suicide, leaving behind a note alleging harassment and humiliation in the classroom. Along with a recent child abuse case at a daycare facility inside a prestigious tech company in the city, these incidents have shaken citizens to the core and reignited discussions on the safety and well-being of children outside their homes.

“When schools recruit teaching or non-teaching staff, they must conduct thorough background verification. It is equally important to assess their psychological stability, as they will be working closely with children. Schools also have a responsibility to provide orientation on child rights, laws relating to children, and stress management,” said Dr N.V. Vasudeva Sharma, Executive Director of the Child Rights Trust. He added that every child is different, and while some may be more challenging than others, teachers must respond with patience and understanding rather than venting their frustration through harsh punishment. Dr Vasudeva stressed that every school must have a robust child protection policy and ensure its strict implementation.

“Although schools are required to appoint a counsellor, many still do not have one, while in others the role exists only on paper. Schools and teachers must take counsellors seriously and help students understand that seeking support from a counsellor is not something to be ashamed of,” he said. He further emphasised that schools should teach life skills, health, and well-being alongside academics. Experts also stressed the need for stronger infrastructural safety measures and greater accountability within educational institutions to prevent incidents that endanger children.

“The government must constitute an independent monitoring body, including members of the public, to regularly inspect schools and educational institutions. At the school level, parents should also be allowed to sit on monitoring committees,” said Anjali Ramanna, an advocate for women and juvenile rights and former Chair person of the Child Welfare Committee (CWC). She further suggested that all employees in educational institutions—from housekeeping staff, administrative personnel, and drivers to professors and teachers—should undergo periodic certification to assess not only their professional competence but also their mental well-being.

Ramanna also recommended that schools, Anganwadis, Montessori schools, play schools, and similar institutions should be granted only short-term licences, with renewals based on periodic reassessment. “Parents should also be encouraged to undergo mental health assessments. While this cannot be made mandatory, awareness must be created to break the long standing stigma surrounding mental health.