The pandemic has redefined pedagogy and the teaching-learning process. We have gone from Typical classrooms to Learning Management Applications (like OS), from no mobiles to attending classes on mobiles, in online mode. Children now have the license to explore, and to surf unhindered. All these affect their concentration, sleep, their social and behavioural skills.

Free access to internet usage entails risks like cyber-bullying, exposure to age-inappropriate contents. Too much temptation with little or no adult supervision is like hemlock to happy surfing.

So, it is important for the adults to be alert, aware and ensure that the Information has to be filtered. Devices monitored. Random checks initiated.

Way forward:

• Parental control is a must. (Digital literacy...Practice before you preach)
• Schedule the Talk.... give a rest to your cell phone and talk to them.
• Listening to understand rather than reprimand, patience is vital.
• Affirm, that it is a good thing to tell your parents/teachers.
• Do not make the child feel guilty /or hate himself.
• Do not be judgmental when you listen to the child.
• Focus on their feelings/emotions.
• Please sound confident when you answer their concerns.
• Use a comfortable voice, tone and facial expressions.
• This is the best time for gender sensitization. They may feel curious hence it is important to maintain an open and comfortable communication.
• If you find it difficult to talk to them, then seek professional help.

It is important for teachers and parents to know that it is quite distressing for a child when they are exposed to these risks. We, the adults need to be supportive and acknowledge their emotions, integrity and dilemma. As parents, we should work on our child’s physical, behavioural, social, and cognitive development. We counsellors are happy to help.

LET US NOT LOOK BACK IN ANGER, NOR FORWARD IN FEAR BUT AROUND IN AWARENESS.

Ms .Kriti Kajal Khatri, Counsellor, Tattva School, Bangalore