A recent study by the Campaign for Popular Education and the BRAC Institute of Education Development has revealed a significant rise in anxiety levels among primary school children in Bangladesh. According to the survey, 55.2 per cent of children reported feelings of fear or anxiety, with political unrest, violence, the long-term effects of COVID-19, and natural disasters-- all contributing to this worrying trend.
The survey also found that 36.9 per cent of children are reluctant to attend schools.
In addition, 36.5 per cent of children have shown signs of inattentiveness to their studies, 28.6 per cent have experienced mental distress, and 7.9 per cent have become irritable.
These findings were presented at a discussion titled "Developing the Mental Health of Primary School Students: What We Can Do", held at the Bangabandhu International Conference Center in Dhaka on Monday. The event was organised by the Campaign for Popular Education and BRAC Institute of Education Development.
The survey was conducted with the participation of 203 support organisations across the eight divisions of Bangladesh. The data collection process included questionnaires, discussions, and meetings at both divisional and national levels.
The study highlights the negative impacts of several factors on children's mental health, specially the long-term consequences of COVID-19, political violence, and recent natural disasters like floods.
According to the survey, children who witnessed political violence, protests, and shootings, or those affected by school closures, curfews, and blockades, have been severely impacted psychologically, leading to symptoms of trauma. The survey further noted that many children have become less willing to attend school, developed sleep problems, and displayed increased anxiety about changes in their school environment. Others have become addicted to mobile phones, experienced feelings of loneliness, and developed symptoms of depression. Furthermore, some children have suffered physical illnesses due to flood-related diseases, contributing to higher absenteeism in schools.
Prof M Nazmul Haq, Director of the Teacher Development Institute and Abdur Rouf, Programme Manager of the Campaign for Popular Education, presented the findings at the event. They explained that the ongoing political unrest, school closures, and exposure to violence have left a lasting psychological impact on many children, particularly in areas most affected by protests and the pandemic.
During the event, stakeholders emphasised the need for immediate action to address the mental health crisis among children. Among the recommendations discussed, were the implementation of the Child Protection Act, 2013, at the government level, integrating mental health topics into teacher training curricula, and organising trauma counseling programmes in schools. Additionally, they called for better teacher training to help educators identify and address students' mental health issues, and for the opening of school playgrounds to encourage physical activity and social engagement among children.
Teacher leaders such as Shahinur Al-Amin proposed increasing cultural practices in schools as a way to help children cope with the challenges they face. Abul Kashem, another teacher leader, suggested renovating schools that lack playgrounds and creating such spaces for physical activities.
Rasheda K Chowdhury, Executive Director of the Campaign for Popular Education, concluded the meeting by stressing the importance of maintaining children's mental health in order to ensure their education. She also stated that the proposals discussed during the event would be presented to the government for further action.
Bidhan Ranjan Roy Podder, Adviser to the Ministry of Primary and Mass Education, spoke as the chief guest, acknowledging that improving children's mental health requires societal changes, not just counseling.
