Understanding the problems of adolescence, our school conducts meetings for both girls and boys from ages 11 to 15 every year. This year also, the Principal guided the School Counselor and teachers to sensitize students about adolescent issues and concerns such as behavioural issues, hormonal changes, negative influence of peers, personal hygiene, control of sense gratification, being safe from addiction, eating unhygienic foods, and addiction to TV, mobile phones, social media, etc.
As per instructions, separate sessions were conducted for girls and boys from classes 6 to 10 on August 16, 2019 by Ms. Reshma Nair, Ms. Jasbir Kaur, Ms. Neetu V. and Ms. Sunita Satish.
While the girls were initially shy and waited for others to talk, they opened up when the teachers shared their own personal childhood experiences and the session became very interactive. Each one of the students shed their inhibitions and wanted teachers to address their doubts, mostly pertaining to the do’s and don’ts of menstruation, sexual attraction and handling peer pressure. They also confided to the teachers about being groped by boys outside school, and wanted to know how to handle such incidents. Boys on the contrary were extremely shy and took time to open up. Teachers spoke to them about the physical changes that occur in boys during puberty like appearance of facial hair, voice break and sexual maturation.
The teachers repeatedly conveyed to the students the importance of confiding in their parents if they come across any disturbing incidents such as stalking, teasing, threats, etc. They applauded the openness of students in sharing their concerns and urged them to come forward with any issues they face; they also advised the students not to find solutions on their own due to fear of admonition.
The meeting ended very well, and it was a joy to see the beaming faces of the students as they felt relieved that their disturbing thoughts were addressed.
