In a significant development aimed at addressing the growing concern of self-harming behavior among students, the Education Ministry has released draft UMMEED guidelines which means – Understand, Motivate, Manage, Empathize, Empower, and Develop.
These guidelines promote sensitivity, empathy, and assistance for students dealing with self-harm, emphasizing the importance of a comprehensive and compassionate approach to mental well-being.
The release of the UMMEED guidelines comes in response to an alarming rise in self-harm incidents among students, particularly in competitive academic environments like Kota, known for its engineering and medical coaching institutes. The surge in such incidents underscores the urgent need to address students’ emotional well-being and provide them with the necessary support.
Key Components of the UMMEED Guidelines
The UMMEED guidelines propose several measures to address self-harming behavior among students, including:
Establishment of a School Wellness Team (SWT): The guidelines recommend the formation of a dedicated team within each school responsible for identifying students displaying warning signs or at risk of self-harm.
The SWT’s role includes immediate response to such situations and providing essential support.
Creating Partnerships: Guided by the principle that “Every Child Matters,” the guidelines emphasize the importance of building strong partnerships among schools, parents, and the community.
These partnerships aim to create societal support as a critical strategy for preventing suicide and reducing the stigma associated with suicidal behavior.
Promoting Positive Mindsets: The draft suggests discarding harmful notions, such as comparing oneself to peers, viewing failure as permanent, and measuring success solely based on academic performance. It encourages schools to adopt a holistic approach to student well-being.
Practical Measures: In addition to the psychological aspects, the guidelines also recommend practical measures to improve school environments, such as securing empty classrooms, enhancing lighting in dark corridors, and maintaining gardens and overgrown grassy areas.
The guidelines highlight that the SWT will play a crucial role in implementing school activities aimed at creating awareness about mental well-being, ultimately leading to suicide prevention.
However, it emphasizes that the collective efforts of all stakeholders are essential to effectively prevent self-harm and promote mental health in schools.
The UMMEED guidelines underscore the importance of building resilient communities around schools. By fostering an environment where students feel valued, accepted, and supported, these guidelines aim to reduce the risk of self-harm and promote positive mental health practices.
Dr. Maya Sharma, a leading psychologist, commented on the release of the guidelines, saying, “The UMMEED guidelines represent a step forward in recognizing the importance of addressing students’ mental well-being. They provide a roadmap for creating a more compassionate and supportive educational ecosystem.”
The draft guidelines also recommend periodic restructuring of the School Wellness Team based on the school’s available resources. This flexibility allows schools to adapt to evolving circumstances and ensure that all stakeholders contribute to enhancing awareness and capacity-building for mental health support.
In an era where academic pressures and societal expectations often burden students, the UMMEED guidelines offer a ray of hope.
They emphasize that mental well-being should be at the forefront of educational priorities, and fostering positive mindsets and a supportive environment can lead to better outcomes for students grappling with self-harming behavior.
As educational institutions and communities embrace these guidelines, they demonstrate a commitment to creating a brighter and more empathetic future for students, where mental health is treated with the urgency and care it deserves.
The UMMEED guidelines serve as a call to action for all stakeholders to unite and prioritize the well-being of every student.