Should Kids Be Sent Back To Schools?

Source: The Indian Express

For a parent, their child’s safety is the top-most priority. During this unfortunate time, schools are coming up with vivid plans to reopen schools as soon as possible. But parents are not yet ready to send their kids to schools and think that sending them to schools would put their children at high-risk.

Recently, over two lakh parents from around the country signed a petition demanding that schools remain shut until the situation has improved, or a vaccine has been made available. The petition followed the government’s announcement that schools, colleges, and other such educational institutions will be reopened after discussing with states and union territories in July.

Shabana Sultana, Teacher, Mumbai

“Teachers have been putting in a lot of effort, and I can say that while homeschooling is good for secondary and senior secondary students, it is not very effective for primary students. While homeschooling my 10-year-old, for instance, I have faced a lot of connectivity issues. As a teacher myself, a lot of preparation is needed for these classes.

“Having said that, while I do want schools to reopen, I also want that to happen after things get back to normal

Anushree Mitra, Interior Designer, Bengaluru

“Homeschooling during this period of crisis has changed our approach to education. I think homeschooling has both advantages and disadvantages. My 14-year-old is not able to physically interact with other kids and teachers. For parents, too, it is a completely new routine which is taking some getting used to.

“But, I do not want schools to open up right now. Kids are kids, they will not adhere to the safety norms when they step out of the house. So, I want my child to stay at home, and I want to provide him with all the necessary things for this education.

Smita Jha, School Coordinator, Ranchi

“I have two kids, aged 14 and 12. I am glad that the studies are happening, albeit online. But, I am also troubled by the fact that the kids are on their phone the whole day, for their classes and other online activities. This causes stress to the eyes and leads to headaches. I also feel kids are not able to take it as seriously as they would have, had they been in schools. We have limited resources at home, and they have to be shared now between parents and children. We had to buy an extra phone for the kids to use for their classes!