Teasing, bullying prevails in J&K schools, reveals latest survey

Srinagar, Jul 31: A latest national level survey conducted by PARAKH, NCERT under the aegis of the Department of School Education and Literacy (DSEL) Ministry of Education (MoE) has revealed that bullying, teasing of students by their peer group still prevails in schools across Jammu and Kashmir.

The survey findings have come to fore amid the government directions for school heads to ensure a congenial environment in schools leaving no scope for bullying of students.

"Everyone at school can work together to create a congenial environment where there is no scope for bullying which can go a long way achieving desired results," reads a circular issued by the Directorate of School Education Kashmir (DSEK) last year.

However, the Performance Assessment, Review and Analysis of Knowledge for Holistic Development (PARAKH)-NCERT survey has pointed out that 33 percent students reported being teased by other students while 29 percent students in schools across J&K UT reported being excluded from group activities by their classmates.

"38 percent of students reported that their classmates made fun of them," the survey reveals.

The latest survey has suggested strengthening anti-bullying measures, fostering peer inclusivity, and implementing key protection policies to enhance the overall learning experience.

"School leaders and policymakers must provide special attention to the situations as several students shared experiences of being teased, excluded from group activities, or made fun of by their classmates," it reads. The survey reveals that incidents of students being threatened or physically pushed around were also noted while a smaller group mentioned not feeling safe at school as well.

"Some schools reported not having key safeguarding policies, including anti-bullying measures, student behaviour policies, or those addressing child protection and harassment. There is a clear need to strengthen both peer sensitisation efforts and policy implementation to create a safer and more inclusive school environment," it reads.

As per the survey 25 percent students reported being threatened by their classmates while 26 percent students reported being hit or pushed around by their classmates.

"13 percent students reported not feeling safe at school while 22 percent students reported not having an Anti-Bullying Policy and four percent schools reported not having a student discipline policy," it reads.

As per the findings of the survey conducted in schools for class 3rd, 6th and 9th classes, 12 percent schools reported not having a Policy on the Prevention of Sexual Harassment at the Workplace (POSH) while eight percent schools reported not having a Child Protection Policy (POCSO). The survey has been conducted by NCERT by visiting 2071 schools in which 8789 teachers and 44050 students participated across Jammu and Kashmir.

The survey has also pointed out that some students exit the education system after class 10 because of different reasons like taking up a job, doing an apprenticeship and participating in family work. The latest survey has pointed out that around 13 percent students take Up a job immediately after completing class 10th while 17 percent students engage in family work after completing grade 10.

Around 51 percent of schools are offering career guidance for students in higher grades as well. "Some students were reported to leave the formal education system after completing Grade 10. Expanding access to structured career counselling and support can help reduce dropout risks and promote continued education," it reads.