The kids are not alright

With educational institutions closed for the foreseeable future to curb the spread of coronavirus, children are increasingly becoming restless in their homes, cut off from the outside world, their friends, physical activities and instructions from teachers. Across the country, 3.68 crore students are now stuck at home, unable to complete their lesson plans. Many students, especially younger ones, are finding it difficult to focus on their textbooks, and parents, too, are struggling to home school children given that many don't have the necessary education, expertise or time to keep them engaged throughout the day. Experts believe that prolonged exposure to stress and boredom can have detrimental impacts on the mental health and productivity of students. It is thus imperative that we find mechanisms to engage and encourage students to make use of their free time in productive ways.

Researchers have suggested that parents establish a predictable, consistent routine at home which replicates the school schedule, to give children a sense of stability as well as enable them to structure and utilise their time more effectively. Children should be engaged in domestic chores which, in addition to teaching them practical life skills, will also instill a sense of responsibility. Parents who have access to the internet can make use of free online resources.

The government has introduced TV education through Sangsad Bangladesh Television for students of sixth to tenth grades to help them complete lesson plans, but similar arrangements have not yet been made for primary and secondary school students. Apart from class lessons, BTV should develop and revive entertainment programmes targeted towards children, which can also be educational. The Ministry of Education could work with BTV and private channels to develop and air programmes for children during school hours, replicating successful models developed by digital learning platforms like the Khan Academy. Schools that have the capacity should develop remote learning programmes and/or provide specific instructions to parents and students on completing lesson plans.

The Ministry of Education should coordinate with specialists to come up with a comprehensive plan on how to address the long-term repercussions of the ongoing crisis, as well as on how to reach students who may not have access to TV and digital programming. The ministry should also take a decision as soon as possible about pending exams to ease the uncertainty and anxieties faced by students.