UNICEF The State of World's Children Report 2021' was launched by Rashmi Arun Shami, Principal Secretary, Department of School Education, Government of Madhya Pradesh, today at Bhopal. Along with the report, a newsletter of voices of adolescents of Dhar and Jhabua on the theme of mental health titled as Mandal, was also launched. Video story of child from Rajgarh on how she coped up with the challenge was shown at the meet.
Speaking at the meet, she said indeed the UNICEF report is timely and this is an area which needs more attention. She added the State Government is taking steps to address the challenge and has a programme titled as Umang, for adolescents and a helpline number for children and parents to address the queries and anxiety among children. She said that teaching children life skills, and positive interactions with parents/caregivers, teachers, and peers’ matter as schools open up, will help them cope up with the challenge.
Nirmala Buch, President Child Rights Observatory, said that this report will help to bring more attention to the issue of mental health which is often ignored, and stigma attached to it. Covid-19 pandemic has exacerbated anxiety, but it is also an opportunity to speak openly about mental health, work with adolescents and young people and bring about policy changes which can address the challenge.
Margaret Gwada, Chief, UNICEF, Madhya Pradesh, speaking at the meet, said that report provides a unique opportunity to promote mental health and well-being for every child, protect vulnerable children, and care for children facing the greatest challenges. She added that the report mentions UNICEF survey across 21 countries, only 41 per cent of young people in India said that it is good to seek support for mental health problems.
Young people are breaking down the stigma in talking about anxiety, depression, fear, and in seeking support. The SOWC report 2021 says that children and young people carry the burden of mental health conditions without significant investment in addressing them.
