News

Volume 2 Issue 15 - August 01, 2004

‘Expressions’ to be a guiding light to disturbed kids

The World Heath Organisation has come up with a set of recommendations for educational boards across the country, to help them deal with the increasing number of psychological and behavioural problems amongst children. The Child Development and Adolescent Health Centre of the Vidyasagar Institute of Mental health and Neuroscience (VIMHANS) has adopted these recommendations in the project ‘Expressions’.

A detailed survey by Expressions shows that about 10 to 12 percent of Indian children suffer from severe emotional and behavioural problems. While one percent of these have mental retardation, the rest suffer psychological problems resulting from malnutrition and neglect.

Titled ‘Comprehensive School Mental Health Program’, these modules will deal with the increasing number of youngsters diagnosed with behavioural challenges, improper social adjustments and psychological problems. The program will be introduced in school boards around the country including Central Board of Secondary Education and Kendriya Vidyalaya Sanghathan and will be followed by teachers, trainers and counsellors for pre-primary, primary and middle school children.