Teachers Linked to Suicide Face Arrest Demand

A group of approximately 100 protesters marched to a police station, demanding the immediate arrest of four teachers from St. Columba's school. These educators were suspended following the recent suicide of a 16-year-old student who allegedly named them in his suicide note. The student's family, along with the Karol Bagh Jewellers Association, organized the demonstration, expressing concern over the pace of the investigation.

Concurrently, experts from the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) emphasized the critical need for immediate attention to children's mental health. They stressed the importance of schools actively monitoring and addressing issues like bullying, especially concerning body image and online trolling. The experts pointed out that India faces a substantial mental health treatment gap, with only a fraction of children receiving necessary interventions.

Specialists also noted a higher rate of youth suicides in India compared to many other nations, underscoring the necessity for robust preventive strategies, enhanced school-based mental health support systems, and increased awareness among parents and educators. Early indicators of mental health decline in children, such as persistent sadness, irritability, social withdrawal, and changes in eating or sleeping patterns, were also highlighted.