The Hindu : Tamil Nadu News : Let children know: counsellors

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Tuesday, Jul 20, 2004

Tamil Nadu

Tamil Nadu

Let children know: counsellors

By Dhanya Parthasarathy

CHENNAI, JULY 19. "My classroom is on the third floor, will something happen to me too?"

"I can't imagine its happening it to me."

"Why did those teachers run away?"

"It made me cry!"

This is how some 11-year-olds are reacting to the Kumbakonam fire tragedy.

Tomorrow is the first day of school for thousands of children who came home on July 16 and watched gruesome images of death on television. Here are some recommendations from mental health professionals on the approach teachers can take while discussing the tragedy with children.

Be informed

Let children know what happened at Kumbakonam. Some children may be confused about the details. "Tell them that the tragedy might not have occurred had certain precautions been taken," says Radhika Soundar, a counselling psychologist, and mother of two. Children need to be reassured that what they saw on TV is not likely to happen to them, she says.

Be open

Psychologists say it is important to acknowledge the tragedy and not sweep the issue under the carpet when it comes up. In fact, Meher Sriram, psychologist at Vidyodaya here, expects children to come up with lots of questions on Tuesday. She says "a patient hearing and a free and frank discussion" are necessary.

Be a guide

Clinical psychologist R. Manoj says, "Children must be told that the teachers at the Kumbakonam school set a wrong example by running away. First, teachers should instil in the students confidence in themselves. They can also motivate students to help others at the time of a tragedy." The tragedy can be turned round to produce positive action.

Be a teacher

"Several children start screaming even when a bee gets into the room," says Mrs. Soundar. "It's time to teach children not to panic and act responsibly during an emergency."

Psychiatrist R. Mani agrees that classes on "how to come out of a crisis" must be conducted for primary children. "They are more vulnerable because the vivid TV images can stay with them for a long time," he says.

Be caring

"It's crucial to bring the child into focus. Let the child know how important and precious he or she is. This is perhaps the time to affirm the student-teacher relationship," says a psychiatrist.

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