Kashmir’s school spaces are grappling with a decline in standards, plagued by issues ranging from bullying, drug dependence, school gangs and deteriorating student-teacher relationships, Umaima Reshi reports
A school, first and foremost, is a child’s first interaction with the outside world. In conjunction with their parents, this is where a child learns important life skills such as communication and social interaction. This, however, may not be completely true as standards are deteriorating in schools, including privately run schools. They talk of gangs, complain about bullying and there are instances of drug dependence.
School Gangs
Often formed around a shared yet unstable identity, school gangs have become increasingly prominent over the past decade. Posing a significant challenge to education and student safety, they can escalate into bullying, intimidation, and violence.
“The impact of school gangs is far-reaching,” says a 20-year teaching veteran. They create an atmosphere of fear, making physical or verbal abuse the norm. Identifying and addressing root causes is difficult, and gangs operate both in and out of school, with inter-school rivalries complicating the issue.
“You are either with them or completely alone,” said Zamin, a grade 10 student. “I have kept my distance from them; they seem dangerous.” When he told a gang member to stop using abusive language, the member gathered a group to intimidate him. Zamin had to resort to calling his father to diffuse the situation.
Bullying
Another pressing issue that has recently surfaced in these institutions is bullying. Whether verbal, physical, social, religious, or racial, students are often targeted by individuals or groups. Some leave the schools, while others internalise this trauma for the rest of their lives, profoundly affecting their psychological well-being and personality development.
Grade 11 student Aliza shared her experience of alienation and loneliness with this reporter. Having no friends and being constantly teased by her classmates – who on occasion threw her chair out of the class – Aliza felt like an outsider during her time at a private school in Rajbagh, Srinagar. Instead of receiving any form of help or support from the school faculty, she was scolded by teachers for “talking too much.”
In kindergarten, Aliza was bullied for assuming her teacher’s henna-stained hands meant she was getting married. Two girls called her Mehendi Wali Ladki until her matriculation. Her mother brought up the issue with her teacher, but nothing was done about it.
Aliza did not attend her batchmates’ reunion, feeling disconnected from their elite circles and adult-centred conversations.
Atirah, a student from a different private institution, recounted her experience. In grade III, a new boy joined Atirah’s class and bit her arm on the provocation of another boy. The wound bled for hours, leaving a lasting scar. Atirah was also bullied through notes in her backpack and framed for stealing from others. Her teachers, however, defended her, aware of her character and behaviour.
Ridha, a ninth grader, was forced to change her primary school after moving to Srinagar. At her new private institution, she faced bullying every day. Boys would pull her braids, and girls would snatch her ribbons, mocking her for having oil in her hair.
“I was bullied because I was shy and never knew how to respond,” she said. The bullying continued until she broke down in front of her parents, leading to another school change.
Body Shaming
Body shaming, not only at home and on social media, but in schools as well, has a profound impact on teenagers. The effects of body shaming on students are multifaceted, leading to sudden withdrawal, reluctance to engage in social activities, disordered eating, and even avoidance of school altogether.
Jannat recounted her experience through tears. “They would constantly criticise my appearance because of my Vitiligo, a skin condition that causes white patches. Boys would mock me, saying Daean Aayi – ‘here comes the witch’ – in Kashmiri.” This experience was so unbearable for the child that she pretended to be sick for a month – going as far as to ingest unnecessary medication in an attempt to stay away from school. “I eventually confided in my parents, and they took me to a therapist. He taught me that people will always have something to say, regardless of how imperfect or perfect I was.”
Kushi, a higher secondary student at a private girls’ school, shared her struggles with body shaming. “I gained weight due to my PCOS diagnosis and thyroid condition. My thyroid issue triggers intense hunger, requiring me to eat every two hours. Because of this, my classmates constantly mock me. Even my teachers and friends criticise me, saying things like, ‘You will explode one day from eating so much and die.’ They look at me as if I am an animal. No one understands my struggles. They no longer call me by my name; instead, they call me Moti – fatty. People treat my illness as a joke.”
Drug Dependence
A 2022 study conducted by the Institute of Mental Health and Neuro Sciences in Srinagar reported an “augmenting boom” in substance abuse within the Kashmir Valley. On August 4, 2023, a parliamentary standing committee estimated that Jammu and Kashmir has approximately 13.5 lakh drug users.
Excessive use of psychoactive substances, including alcohol, pain medications, and illegal drugs can lead to physical, social, and emotional harm. Typically, the onset of drug dependence begins during adolescence, spurred on by peer pressure, psychological stress, or personal life challenges. With Kashmir’s healthcare sector struggling to cope with the heroin epidemic, the situation has only worsened. This issue is particularly prevalent among higher secondary students in private schools.
Lateefa, a student at a private higher secondary school, spoke about the rampant drug abuse in her school. “Recently, there was a bag check, and abortion pills were found in one of the girls’ bags from the senior batch. I was shocked; I could never have imagined something like that happening. Drugs are alarmingly common; girls bring weed with their lunch, sniff shoe polish, and take tablets or diluters. These incidents are typically suppressed by parents or even the schools through negotiations to protect their image and reputation, but the problem is internally evident.”
Another student, Momin, from a co-ed school, shared a troubling incident: “There was a recent theft from the staff room, where more than Rs 6000 was stolen from a teacher’s bag.” The matter, being initially overlooked, became a repeat occurrence. The thief was eventually caught, revealing that she had resorted to theft due to a lack of money to buy hard drugs like heroin or cocaine. She also disclosed the identities of several other girls involved, and they were all subsequently expelled from the school.
“The situation in schools is deteriorating; every day, I see boys in the playground smoking cannabis, and girls injecting themselves with substances. The problem lies in the fact that no one is properly guiding them on what is right and wrong. I feel bad being a part of this environment,” he added.
The Jealousy
In the hallowed halls of education, a toxic sentiment has long been overlooked: jealousy. Once dismissed as a childish emotion, it has grown increasingly pernicious in the competitive landscape of modern schooling.
Aisha, a student at a well-respected private school, recounted a disturbing incident that transpired during her school’s annual event. The occasion was meant to display a traditional Kashmiri folk dance, Roff. Among the performers was a girl notorious for her abrasive behaviour, who had long harboured jealousy towards a classmate. This classmate, not only stunning in her traditional Pheran and Kasaabi attire but also academically gifted, had been complimented by their teacher on the eve of the event.
The envious girl, seething, took a razor from her bag and vandalized her peer’s costume. When the victim discovered the damage, she was devastated and broke down. Remarkably, the perpetrator confessed, citing envy as her motive. Despite the harm inflicted, the victim showed admirable restraint and refrained from filing a complaint.
Adil, a recent alumnus of a private higher secondary school, recounted another troubling incident. “We had a senior boy infatuated with a girl in our class, who was already in a relationship with someone else. The boy’s persistence eventually turned violent, culminating in a fight that left his classmate badly beaten. The matter escalated, involving teachers, the principal and even parents. Although resolved, the aftermath saw the senior dismissed, with the teachers subsequently strained in their relations with the two students.”
Teacher-Student Relationships
The relationship between a teacher and their students is the most significant aspect of the educational environment. It plays a crucial role in students’ progress, engagement with school, and academic motivation, forming the foundation of social context as well. If approached the wrong way, it can leave a lasting impact on a student’s social skills and mental well-being.
A respected female teacher, who has been working at a private institution in Srinagar for the past ten years, shared her insight on this matter. “In the past, working at prestigious missionary schools was an honour for teachers. However, this is no longer the case.”
The teacher feels the government has failed to support them adequately, and new guidelines restrict how they interact with students, focusing on mental health and prohibiting raised voices or confrontations.
“Previously, teaching was considered one of the best professions for women,” the teacher said. However, this has changed, and now working in any field is seen as equivalent. She believes that society is to blame for this shift, as children are raised without discipline or honest feedback, leading to a poor upbringing. “Neither parents nor teachers can correct the children, resulting in them growing up without the values needed to become responsible citizens.”
“There are numerous instances where boys and girls present different challenges. Some boys show respect to teachers due to a positive home environment, while others make disrespectful or indecent remarks, which parents often ignore or dismiss by blaming the teachers. This forces teachers to apologise even when they are not at fault,” she said, her voice tinged with sadness.
“When advising students on their behaviour towards the opposite gender or educating them about puberty, they often misunderstand or reject the guidance. Many teachers, both in private and government schools, desire change. However, some teachers ignore these issues due to fear of repercussions, regardless of how severe the situation is,” she added.
She also noted that when dealing with adolescents or teenagers, teachers employ specific methods, which can sometimes instil harmful perceptions in students, leading to rebellion or disobedience. Instead of encouraging and motivating students, these teachers’ negative influence results in adverse outcomes.
Adnan, who recently completed twelfth grade, shared his thoughts on the situation in classrooms and what he expected from his institution.“I find myself perplexed about the role of teachers after they obtain a BEd degree, as I struggle to grasp their teaching methods.” He emphasised that teachers should excel in fostering meaningful interaction and never discourage students, and noted that it is unrealistic to expect every student to be a top performer, as many struggle to learn concepts easily.
He criticised the outdated education system in private schools, where blame is often shifted between the school and home environments when a student makes a mistake. As students enter adolescence, they need guidance from both parents and teachers. However, he believes that teachers lack effective communication and interactive methods to support students during this stage of life.
He noted that private institutions outside Kashmir tend to be less conservative in their approach. Recently, at his school, two students entered a relationship, but when a teacher discovered this, he scolded and physically punished the boy. “A more constructive approach could have involved speaking with his parents or discussing the situation directly with the student, helping him understand certain aspects of life,” he said, expressing his disappointment.
Yamin, another student, shared his thoughts on exceptional teachers, “Some of my teachers have been truly exceptional because they interactively engaged with me and others.” However, he noted that some teachers show favouritism, giving more attention to academically excelling students. In contrast, his teacher treated everyone equally, making each student feel special.
Yamin recalled an incident where a teacher publicly humiliated a boy for not completing his assignments, leading to a confrontation. The situation escalated, involving parents, and resulting in both the teacher and student being dismissed.
Sara, an alumnus from an upmarket higher-secondary in Srinagar recounts her middle school experiences. “Some teachers were openly hostile towards students they disliked,” she said. Suffering from psychological illness, she was often bullied and belittled by her teachers. “My classmates were far more understanding of my situation than my teachers,” she recalled. “I remember being accused of ‘faking it’ during a severe mental breakdown in class, with my teacher berating me in front of the whole class while I had a panic attack.”
According to her, many teachers misuse their authority to mistreat and bully their students. “It’s like a strange power trip for them,” she said. “To exercise control over and berate the children they are supposed to nurture is nothing short of mind-boggling to me.”
Truancy in Schools
Either due to dissatisfaction with their teachers or a lack of interest in their studies, the proliferation of bunks in these less-than-inspiring educational institutions is a pressing concern. They often roam around with friends in the school playgrounds or skip school altogether, without informing their guardians or parents.
A student shared a memorable incident, “I recall an incident where two classmates were absent all day, and even their friends were searching for them.” When the school day ended, the form teacher spotted them and reprimanded them. The students claimed they were not feeling well, but the teacher was unconvinced.
The teacher called their parents to address the issue, and they received strict treatment. However, the student noted that this had little impact, and the classmates continued to bunk classes. The student later observed that the teachers seemed resigned to the situation and no longer took action.
Sexual Harassment
Sexual harassment in educational institutions is a pervasive issue that severely compromises the safety, well-being, and academic experience of students. It can manifest in various forms, including unwelcome physical contact, verbal abuse, inappropriate remarks, or even through behaviours such as lewd looks or gestures. This creates a hostile environment that adversely affects a student’s ability to learn, participate in school activities, and feel secure in the school setting.
Zahoor, an 8th-grade student, recalled an incident in his class where a boy inappropriately touched girls. Despite warnings, the boy’s behaviour did not change, leading to his suspension. Zahoor believes the boy was not entirely to blame, saying, “He should have been educated about puberty, adolescence, and good touch and bad touch by his parents and educators.” Zahoor added that the boy seemed to be struggling psychologically.
Recently, social media platforms were flooded with reports from students about a disturbing incident of sexual harassment at a respected boys’ school in Srinagar. Two boys allegedly sexually assaulted a classmate for three years in the school washroom, using threats to coerce him into silence. The victim spoke out with the support of his peers.
The incident sparked widespread public outrage, prompting the school to establish a Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Committee to address the situation. A first information report (FIR) was also lodged, and the school promised a thorough investigation, assuring that any identified wrongdoing would be met with severe consequences.
However, a student-run social media page responded critically to these developments, stating that the measures implemented by such schools are often superficial and lack genuine accountability. “The so-called ‘disciplinary committees’ seem more focused on safeguarding the school’s reputation than on delivering justice and addressing the trauma experienced by students,” they argued. They also pointed out that these bodies frequently ignore or suppress cases where members of the administration or teaching staff are implicated as the accused.
The mother of a girl from a private primary school shared a disturbing incident. While discussing “good touch and bad touch” with her daughter, the girl revealed that her geography teacher shamefully punished boys. “He touches the private parts of the young boys in front of the whole class and pinches the area until it hurts, making them cry,” the girl said.
The mother was shocked and spoke to the school about the incident. However, the teacher downplayed the allegations, saying that he could not engage in such behaviour because he was religious.
“There have been multiple cases of male teachers touching students inappropriately,” shared Jameela, a student from an all-girls private school. “I have heard of several students who complained about being harassed by their teachers outside of class. Complaints have been issued, but nothing is ever done. The teachers continue to be protected by the administration.”
Pressure
Hanan emphasised the need for career counsellors, noting that students struggle to choose subjects or streams after high school. “Many students cave in due to peer pressure, choosing the same subjects as their friends,” he said. Others face parental pressure to pursue medicine or engineering, while those who struggle academically are often pushed towards Arts or Commerce.
Amin, a recent twelfth-pass student, highlighted the impact of peer rejection and pressure. He shared a personal experience where a friend succumbed to drug use after a familial conflict and association with a new peer group. Amin resisted his friend’s urging to join him, and their friendship eventually ended. Amin noted that peer pressure extends beyond drug use, influencing fashion, beauty, and academic achievement. “Girls often pressure one another to wear makeup or dress in a certain way,” he said, adding that students from wealthier families often shun those from middle-class backgrounds.
Judgements and Views
“What is the purpose of these expensive private schools, where we pay lakhs in fees for our children’s education and discipline, only for them to emerge as troubled individuals?” a parent expressed in disappointment while sharing his views with Kashmir Life. “While exposure is important, the outcome should not be the creation of such disoriented personalities.”
A student on social media commented: “I question the need for separate picnics in co-educational settings. Sometimes, certain notions are instilled in children’s minds, even when there is nothing inherently wrong. Why do parents or teachers assume that placing a boy and a girl together will inevitably lead to inappropriate behaviour? Why can we not trust in the natural course of things?”
A recent higher secondary graduate, Jehangir, expressed his confusion about his future goals. “No doubt we are taught essential knowledge in schools,” Jehangir said. However, he noted that important life skills are not taught.
“We are never taught how to pay our taxes, what coding is, or how to cook for ourselves,” he pointed out. Other essential skills missing from the curriculum include self-defence, social etiquette, personal finance, public speaking, and stress management. Jehangir emphasized that these skills are crucial for survival in the future, but are not taught in these schools, which he referred to as “so-called luxury institutions.”
The Impact
Dr Ajaz Bhat, a prominent clinical psychologist and global MHPSS expert in Kashmir, stated that bullying and peer rejection can significantly impact an individual’s mental health, leading to isolation and low self-esteem.
Dr Bhat noted that family issues, such as divorce, parental conflict, or the death of a loved one, can be traumatic for children and increase the risk of depression and anxiety. He added that high academic expectations and pressure to perform well academically can cause significant stress among children.
According to Dr Bhat, body shaming and cloth shaming can have a lasting impact on an individual’s personality and lead to a lack of confidence. He also emphasized that exposure to violence, whether in school, at home, or in the community, can lead to severe trauma and psychological instability.
Dr Bhat highlighted that victims of gang-related bullying may experience anxiety, depression, and a decline in academic performance due to constant stress. In some cases, students feel pressured to join gangs for protection or a sense of belonging, perpetuating the cycle of violence and aggression.
(Names changed or withheld for privacy reasons)
