Exam season isn’t just a time for studying; it’s also a period of heightened anxiety for many students. Let’s delve into some stark statistics that shed light on the severity of this issue:
- In 2023 alone, Kota witnessed 22 student suicides due to exam pressure.
- Shockingly, as early as 2024, three student suicides have already been recorded.
- According to the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB), over 13,000 students in India succumbed to exam-related stress in 2022.
As adults who have treaded through exam seasons ourselves, it’s imperative to ask: Where are we faltering?
In our relentless pursuit of solutions, the team at GurgaonMoms embarked on a quest for answers by attending the ‘Stress-Free Exams’ campaign launch, hosted by META in collaboration with the National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR) on February 12th.
This event served as a beacon of hope, aiming to confront the issue head-on and offer invaluable insights into managing exam stress. Held at the prestigious India Habitat Centre in New Delhi, it brought together a myriad of experts, advocates, and concerned individuals, all with a shared mission of safeguarding the mental well-being of our students.
Mr. Shivnath Thukral
The event commenced with an eye-opening address by Mr. Shivnath Thukral, Director & Head of India Public Policy at Meta, who underscored a troubling statistic:
About 81 percent of students, ranging from 9th to 12th grade, cite studies, exams, and results as causes of anxiety.
Mr.Priyank Kanoongo
Following suit, Mr. Priyank Kanoongo, Chairperson of NCPCR, delivered a compelling keynote address, shedding light on the gravity of exam stress and the urgent need for proactive interventions. Drawing parallels with the legendary tale of Arjuna’s pre-battle anxiety in the Mahabharata, Mr. Kanoongo emphasized the enduring nature of exam-related stress and the importance of providing emotional support to our children.
A pivotal moment of the event was the impactful panel discussion on the role of parents and educators in managing exam stress, adeptly moderated by Ms. Natasha Jog, Head of Public Policy at Instagram, India.
Joining her in the panel discussion were:
Dr. Jitendra Nagpal, Senior Consultant Psychiatrist at Moolchand Hospital, Delhi.
Mr. Akhilesh Mishra, Founder of BlueKraft Digital Foundation and a technology acknowledged partner for the book ‘Exam Warriers’,.
Ms. Anupriya Kapur, a digital influencer and entrepreneur.
The discussion delved into the myriad ways in which we can support our children through the rigors of exams while safeguarding their mental well-being.
The key takeaways from the discussion resonate deeply, urging us to reflect on our own childhood experiences, embrace our children’s uniqueness, and foster a positive home environment conducive to stress management.
In an engaging interactive session, Mr. Priyank Kanoongo underscored the importance of ongoing dialogue about mental health and emphasized the collective responsibility of society in alleviating exam-induced stress.
In conclusion, let’s heed the call to action embedded in these discussions. By prioritizing our children’s well-being and nurturing their holistic development, we can empower them to navigate the pressures of exams and realize their fullest potential in life. Together, let’s champion a future where success is measured not just by exam scores, but by the resilience and well-being of our children.
Feature Image Source: Meta
