Key Points
In an effort to address the rising concern of self-harm and suicide among students, the Ministry of Education (MoE) recently unveiled a set of draft guidelines aimed at enhancing sensitivity, understanding, and support in such cases..
The draft guidelines, known as Understand, Motivate, Manage, Empathise, Empower, Develop (UMMEED), have been released at a time when the city of Kota, known for its coaching hubs preparing students for engineering and medical entrance exams, has witnessed a rising number of student suicides in 2023...
These guidelines, based on the principle of "Every Child Matters," are currently open for public feedback and provide clear directions for schools to improve their handling of self-harm cases..
The proposed measures include the establishment of a School Wellness Team (SWT) responsible for identifying students displaying warning signs and those at risk of self-harm, responding promptly to their needs, and providing support...
The guidelines also stress the importance of fostering partnerships among schools, parents, and the community to create a robust support network aimed at preventing suicide and reducing the stigma associated with suicidal behavior...
