Are We Categorically Ignoring Social And Emotional Learning?
Given the high rates of mental and psychological distress, there emerges the need to talk on the issues less talked about. Homes, Societies, and institutions need to think and chalk out ways to spotlight more on Social and Emotional learning.
The COVID-19 pandemic has ripped lives and livelihoods apart and there appears little to no silver lining in this thunderstorm shortly. Lockdown-induced work from home has comprehended people's cosmos to a desk and a laptop. But people’s aspirations have got no boundaries. They are roaming from mars to the moon and from 5G to cryptocurrency. Working professionals, students, kids, etc all are in hope, that one day, surely this pandemic will go away and the world will be as good as it was earlier but nobody is sure of that "one day". The lockdown has given different experiences to different people. Some see it as a revolution in the IT sector, but it's tormenting lives for a few. They see it as a force that has grabbed them their livelihoods. Hence the picture is not as rosy as it may appear for a few. This is the case with those who can afford at least a sustainable 24x7 internet. But, have we ever thought about what happens to those who have got no internet or infrastructure to connect virtually with their place of work, institutes or friends, etc? the world has literally become very dark for them. The infamous incident of a student from Delhi university committing suicide, as the information about OBE ( Open Book Exam) rolls out, is the reflection of the digital divide and its repercussions. This will even haunt people like these in the long run as well, as the digital divide is yet to show its real face. For instance, the school dropout rates have increased rapidly, child marriages have taken a toll in the pandemic, domestic violence, health issues also cannot be ignored.
Psychological distresses like depression, anxiety, irritability, loneliness worthlessness, etc have jumped into huge numbers. Children are finding it really hard to understand the lessons, further exacerbating their anxiety. But the aspirations of society, parents, and themselves will never allow them to rethink and understand the predicament they are going through.
As a result, depression and suicidal thoughts are bound to take a toll. Even before the pandemic gave knock on our doors, India comprised 28 suicides by students every day within 15-29 years. These numbers are as per the data compiled by the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB).
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