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India's Campuses Lag in Digital Student Mental Health
11 Dec
Summary
- Digital mental health support in Indian higher education remains underdeveloped.
- Institutions need clear policies on data, privacy, and transparency.
- Technology should supplement, not replace, human-led mental health services.
Indian universities are urged to more effectively leverage digital tools for student mental health, according to a NIMHANS research publication. The study calls for institutions to establish robust policies for data governance, privacy, and transparency concerning digital offerings. These platforms are seen as valuable supplements to existing support systems, not replacements for human interaction.
The research identifies key challenges, including a lack of evidence from developing nations, varying digital literacy levels, and the prevalence of unregulated apps. To overcome these, effective implementation requires features like automated nudges for help-seeking, clear crisis pathways, and integration with offline services.
Advancements in this area necessitate policy-level actions such as national guidelines for app developers and increased public investment in student mental health. Thoughtful integration of technology can improve access, reduce stigma, and enhance the efficiency of care, but sustained research and strong policy frameworks are crucial.
