The Goa State Commission for Protection of Child Rights (GSCPCR) has recommended that the create positions for counsellors in all schools to address the huge mental Health gap that has emerged since the Covid-19 pandemic.
The commission has called for universal coverage of the states counselling scheme. Currently, just 85 counsellors cover 295 schools in the scheme implemented by the Goa Educational Development Corporation (GEDC).
Commission chairpersonPeter Borgessaid that since children spend most of their time in school, their problems can be identified, dealt with, and improved through counselling. School students, he said, are of an age that is generally vulnerable, and need a safe space a neutral and non-judgmental counsellor who understands their feelings and helps them navigate their emotions.
He also flagged the issue of undetected pregnancies in adolescents in school settings. These are ultimately found out about in advanced stages, and are a result of both abuse and romantic relationships, he said.