Education ministry organises workshop on mental health, cyber security on World Mental Health Day

NEW DELHI: The department of school education and literacy (DoSEL), ministry of education, organised a national online workshop on mental health and cyber security on the occasion of World Mental Health Day today. The workshop has two sessions on mental health by Dr Rajesh Sagar, professor (MD) at Psychiatry department at AIIMS Delhi and on cyber security by Dr Rashmi Sharma Yadav, DCP, Indian Cybercrime Coordination Centre, MHA.

The workshop was broadcast live on YouTube, reaching over 20 lakh students and educators nationwide.

Vipin Kumar, additional secretary of DoSEL, highlighted the importance of mental well-being and safe utilization of the internet among students. He also emphasized the necessity of early intervention to mitigate the potential adverse effects of mental health challenges in today’s digital age.

Highlighting commitment of the National Education Policy 2020 to prioritize student well-being, Archana Sharma Awasthi, joint secretary of DoSEL, said: “The significance of mental health for both students and educators and exhorted everybody to attentively listen and follow the advice given by the experts to maintain good mental health and prevent themselves from being victims of cybercrime.”

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50% mental health disorder emerge before 14

Talking about the prevalent mental health issues, Rajesh Sagar provided insights into stress, anxiety, and depression. He said: “Nearly 50% of mental health disorders emerge before the age of 14, advocating for early intervention.”

He identified common stressors including academic pressure, parental conflicts, and bullying, and shared effective coping strategies, such as deep breathing and cognitive restructuring, to foster a happier childhood, the statement read.

Rashmi Sharma Yadav talked about the importance of cyber hygiene and security for children. Outlining preventive measures against cyberbullying, grooming, and fraudulent online gaming applications, she encouraged students to report cyber fraud through the helpline 1930 and @cyberdost.

She also talked about the importance of responsible internet use, parental awareness, and safeguarding personal information.

Students studying is Classes 6 to 12 from Navodaya Vidyalaya Samiti, Kendriya Vidyalaya Sangathan (KVS), Kasturba Gandhi Balika Vidyalayas, Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE), and state government schools across the country and was simultaneously presented in sign language, ensuring accessibility for all participants.