Knowledge of good and bad touch important | Self-harm signs shown by children shouldn’t be ignored A Principals Meet on 'Childhood Psychological Disorders — Identification and Management' was organised by The Tribune Group of Newspapers, in collaboration with Chitkara University, in Jalandhar, onWednesday. As many as 42 principals from Jalandhar, Kapurthala, Phagwara, Hoshiarpur, Kartarpur, Garhshankar and Banga schools participated in the event that highlighted the core psychologicaldisorders faced by teenagers. Ajay Joshi Jalandhar, november 20 Emphasising ‘Listen, empathise and rephrase’ as the key points of becoming mindful teachers, consultant psychiatrist Simmi Waraich on Tuesday acquainted educationists with psychological disorders that are seen among children. In the Principals Meet organised by The Tribune Group of Newspapers, in collaboration with Chitkara University, on Tuesday, principals of various schools discussed the challenges that teachers face while dealing with children suffering from psychological disorders. Psychological Disorders — Identification and Management’brought school heads together to discuss constructive strategies for the overall development of children. Waraich, the keynote speaker, also introduced the principals to child psychology using case studies. Important issues concerning emotional support, psychological needs, positive motivation, sensitivity towards mental health and setting goals were discussed. Educators also spoke on various activities conducted in their institutions that helped them understand student behaviour. Waraich advised principals to be cautious and identify symptoms shown by victims of child abuse. She further elaborated that child abuse led to aggression, hostility or hyperactivity among students. According to her, it affected students’ performance and resulted in loss of self confidence, social withdrawal and aroused physical pain even in absence of ailment. Avoiding certain situations or refusing to go to school and unusual fears were some of the symptoms shown by child abuse victims that teachers must be vigilant about, she said. Teachers were told to make students aware of their body parts, as well as make them understand good and bad touch. Seeking a solution for children dealing with low self-esteem and learning disorders, Richa Sharma, Principal, Cambridge International School, raised her concern about suicidal thoughts prevalent among children. Answering this, Waraich said, “Self-harming behaviour and isolation are prime symptoms of suicidal thoughts that need to be identified at an early stage. Subsequently, parents need to be informed about it and counsellors should help children.” Waraich also threw light on drug abuse and advised teachers to sensitise the senior secondary students to different kinds of drugs and hazards posed by their use. Educationistspeak The session will help impart better education to students. Practical case studies help understand issues faced by children. Parents and teachers must help pupils cope with anxiety. — Richa Sharma, Cambridge Int’l School For Girls, Jalandhar Life skills need to be inculcated among pupils. Interactive sessions with students should be organised. Use a simple instruction: Give one task at a time. Make eye contact while speaking to children. — Jaswinder Kaur, Dayanand Model School, Jalandhar The session highlighted learning disorders that should be identified as early as possible. These issues are common in boys so they should be involved in productive activities. — Ravi Sharma, DAV Public School, Bilga Psychological problems faced by students should be addressed on priority. Teachers should focus on making children emotionally strong. It’s important that pupils open up to counsellors. — MUnish Jain, Lord Mahavir Jain School, Phagwara The session brought into consideration clinical problems that go unnoticed. Mental health, depression and anxiety should not be ignored. Expert help must be sought if the need arises. — Manjinder Singh, St Soldier School, Friends Colony Children should be given space for self realisation after they commit mistakes. They should be given opportunities to express their feelings openly. Avoid criticising pupils in front of everyone. — Shaloo Sehgal, Innocent Hearts School, Lohara Students should not be categorised as dull, intelligent, mischievous and average, as it lowers their self-esteem. Children of all age groups should be educated on emotional challenges. — Anju Mehta, Swami Sant Dass School, Phagwara

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