As February approaches, it brings with it a sense of love and its captivating fragrance, touching people of all ages. In schools, this atmosphere is palpable. Students eagerly await this month to express their feelings for one another. Having worked in a school for many years, I’ve observed this phenomenon closely. Kids buy expensive gifts like flowers, chocolates, and toys for their special friends. But is this behaviour truly relevant during school time? The answer is a resounding NO.
Reflecting on my own experience as a student in a co-educational CBSE school, things were quite different. We were focused on preparing for exams, solving sample papers, and engaging in group studies. Yet, in recent years, I’ve noticed a significant spike in school-related spending during February. Youngsters often feel embarrassed, offended, or sad if they don’t have a special friend of the opposite gender, especially during their teenage years. This trend is fuelled by the desire to share and post about their relationships on social media, seeking fun, popularity, and to be the talk of the town.
This raises an important question: What role do parents play in their child’s involvement in these activities? Many parents are occupied with their routine lives, and working parents often have limited time to spend with their children. As a result, kids seek companionship and support outside the home.
As an educator and tech-savvy individual, I’ve observed that social media has a profound impact. The constant need to share every aspect of their lives online has become overwhelming. Young people are more engaged with social media than with reading books; they prefer consuming content through podcasts and videos. This shift affects how they complete their homework and prepare for exams.
From around class VII onwards, adolescents often experience anxiety and personal struggles. These emotional changes can go unnoticed by parents who are either too busy or simply unaware. When students find friends with similar interests, close relationships often form, leading to distractions and a decline in academic focus. Many students neglect their work or make excuses if confronted about their grievances, preferring to spend time with their opposite-gender friends.
In summary, adolescents often feel unheard, and when they do find someone who listens, they tend to feel a strong connection. The lack of family engagement or time can drive them to seek attention and validation elsewhere. Some students view relationships with the opposite gender as a status symbol, influenced by social media trends.
My sincere advice to all parents is to actively listen to your children, regardless of their age. Dedicate quality time to discuss their thoughts and feelings. This approach can help them avoid unhealthy behaviours and distractions.
Do you find that your school-going child listens to you? Are you providing them with the attention and support they need? These are crucial questions that require thoughtful consideration. What are your thoughts?
Today’s child is really facing lot many issues…
So we as the parents, teachers, educators and mentors have to deal with them very carefully and playfully in a friendly manner…..