If you’re a parent, teacher, or even a student — this article is for you. Recently, the Supreme Court of India made a historic decision that affects millions of students across the country. And honestly, it was long overdue.
Yes, we’re talking about the tragic rise in student suicides, especially in Education Hubs, where pressure, competition, and loneliness are silently destroying young minds.
What Did the Supreme Court Say?
That’s a powerful and necessary statement. The Court blamed the current education system for ignoring mental health, emotional well-being, and creating an atmosphere where only marks and ranks seem to matter.
In simple words, the Court said:
“Student suicides are not individual failures — they are a system failure.”
15 Guidelines Every School, College & Coaching Center Must Now Follow
The Court has issued a 15-point guideline that every educational institution in India must follow:
1. Mandatory Mental Health Policy
All schools, colleges, and coaching centers must now have a written Mental Health and Emotional Wellness Policy. It should outline how the institution will support students’ emotional well-being.
2. Appointment of Psychologists in Large Institutions
Any institute with more than 100 students must appoint at least one trained and certified psychologist or counselor to support students who are struggling emotionally or mentally.
3. Regular Mental Wellness Checkups
Institutions must schedule routine mental health checkups, workshops, or counseling sessions for students, ensuring early detection of stress, anxiety, or depression.
4. Stress Management and Life Skills Training
There must be regular sessions on stress management techniques, coping strategies, and emotional intelligence to help students face academic and personal pressures.
5. Mandatory Orientation for Students and Parents
Before the academic year begins, orientation programs must be conducted to prepare both students and parents for the pressure, workload, and expectations of the course or coaching program.
6. Peer Support Systems
Every institution should form student-led support groups supervised by counselors, where students can freely talk, share experiences, and help each other without fear of judgment.
7. 24×7 Helpline and Emergency Support
A dedicated helpline number, active round the clock, must be available for students to reach out during mental health emergencies. Institutions must also have an emergency response system in place.
8. Scheduled Breaks and Recreational Time
Learning should not be continuous without rest. Every institution must ensure that students get regular breaks, leisure time, and opportunities to relax during the day.
9. Cultural and Extra-Curricular Events
Apart from academics, students should get chances to participate in music, dance, sports, art, theatre, and other creative activities that reduce stress and foster joy.
10. Teacher Sensitization Training
All teachers must be trained to identify early warning signs of depression or distress among students and know how to respond with sensitivity and care.
11. Transparent and Student-Friendly Evaluation
Tests and assessments should not feel like punishments. Institutions must ensure that their exam systems are fair, transparent, and offer second chances when needed.
12. Support for Students with Special Needs
Students with learning disabilities, emotional challenges, or psychological concerns must be given proper accommodations, attention, and learning flexibility.
13. Hostel Allocation Not Based on Academic Rank
No more dividing students based on marks. Hostels must be allotted equally without creating pressure by grouping students based on academic performance.
14. Suicide Prevention Campaigns on Campus
Schools and coaching centers must run active awareness programs on suicide prevention, invite mental health experts, and organize special talks to reduce stigma.
15. Mental Health Reporting and Accountability
Every institution must submit quarterly reports about the mental wellness initiatives, progress, and issues to a government-appointed review board. This ensures regular monitoring and accountability.
Let’s Not Forget the Numbers — Because They Are Real
In 2022 alone:
- Over 13,000 student suicides were recorded in India.
- That’s more than 35 young lives lost every day.
These aren’t just statistics. They are friends we lost, dreams we buried, and a future we failed to protect.
As an Educator and Parent, What Can You Do?
- Talk openly about mental health with your child.
- Focus on their emotional safety more than academic success.
- Choose coaching or schools that offer counseling support.
- Teach children that failure is not the end, and marks don’t define them.
Let’s not wait for another child to suffer in silence.
Education Must Be About Life — Not Just Exams
Education should teach us how to live, not just how to crack an entrance test.
Let’s rebuild our system with empathy, support, balance, and a belief that every child matters — not just the toppers.
Suggested External Resources
- Manodarpan – Government’s Mental Health Support for Students
- Kiran Helpline (24×7 Toll-Free Mental Health Support): 1800-599-0019
