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64% kids don't appreciate online classes; B'luru, Mumbai parents skeptical about sending children to school, even if it is declared safe
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64% kids don't appreciate online classes; B'luru, Mumbai parents skeptical about sending children to school, even if it is declared safe
Safety of their wards is the topmost priority for parents.
iStockWhile most schools have successfully transitioned to online, the model is found to be less effective with over two-third of children preferring to learn in the classroom.
School’s not out but in (doors) and the majority of parents are having none of it.
A recent survey conducted by SP Robotic Works conducted over the months of July and August among 3600 parents and an equal number of children in the age group of 7-17 years, showed that 64% parents and children have no appreciation for online schooling.
Skeptical about going back Safety of their wards is the topmost priority for parents. Parents from Bangalore, Mumbai, Hyderabad and mini-metros are skeptical about sending their children to school, even if it is declared safe, with 82-86% unwilling to take any risk with the children. However, Chennai and Kolkata are the only exceptions among the major cities where the ratio of parents that are willing to take chances with sending their children to school is higher than the national average.
Online not as effective While most schools have successfully transitioned to online, the model is found to be less effective with over two-third of children preferring to learn in the classroom. Interestingly, children, as well as the parents in smaller cities and non-metros, seem to prefer online learning compared to those in metros, except Bangalore.
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While most schools have successfully transitioned to online, the model is found to be less effective with over two-third of children preferring to learn in the classroom
Still dreaming big Although school may be a challenge, it’s not put a damper on kids dreaming big. Amongst the choices for dream jobs, 15% of girls aspire to become entrepreneurs when they grow up, a higher percentage than boys. Entrepreneurship is second only to the fancy of becoming a doctor. According to a 2015 study by McKinsey Global Institute, India's GDP could rise by between 16-60% by 2025 if women participated equally with men in the economy. Projections show that this could mean a whopping $2.9 trillion added to the economy. If we can nurture this dream of school-going girls well India surely has a chance of becoming a $5 trillion economy by 2025.
10% of children aged between 7-10 seem to have been bitten by the entrepreneurship bug and the number goes up to 17% in the 16-17 age group. From the data available, mini-metros and non-metros are more likely to produce entrepreneurs than metros.
Coronavirus Can Get Children Worried: Here's How To Have The Talk
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Corona Conversations
In the wake of coronavirus, several schools and colleges have been shut in many parts of the world to contain the spread of COVID-19. As public awareness and conversations around the novel virus increase, the situation can get the children anxious and worried for their family members and friends.
Parents, family members, teachers, healthcare professionals and trusted adults play a significant role in helping children make sense of what they hear in a way that is honest, accurate and minimise their fear or anxiety.
Dr Sreenath Manikanti, Senior Consultant Neonatologist & HOD Fortis La Femme Hospital, Richmond Road, Bangalore shares a few tips to help make the corona conversation easier around children.
General Principles While Talking To Kids
- Remember that children react to how and what things are said
- Children pick up cues from conversations you have with them and others
- Patiently listen to what they say, and allow them to ask questions
- Avoid using words that might blame others and lead to stigma
- Remember that the virus can make anyone sick. Avoid making assumptions about who might have COVID-19
- Pay attention to what children see, hear or read on television, radio or online
- Reduce the amount of screen time for children focused on COVID-19. Too much information on any one topic can lead to anxiety and worry
- Provide information to kids that is honest and accurate. Give information that is truthful and appropriate for the age and developmental level of the child
- Talk to children about how some stories on COVID-19 on the internet and social media may be based on rumours and inaccurate information
- Teach chilren everyday actions to reduce the spread of germs
- Stay calm and keep information simple
- Reassure children that health and school authorities are working very hard to keep everyone safe and healthy
- Teach dos and don'ts at home, schools and play areas
Dos
- Stay 6 feet away from people who are coughing or sneezing or sick
- Cough or sneeze into a tissue or your elbow, and then throw the tissue into a closed bin
- Wash hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after blowing nose, coughing or sneezing, after using restroom, and before eating or learning to prepare food
- If soap and water are not available, teach children to use hand sanitiser
Don'ts
- Avoid touching mouth, nose, eyes and face with unclean hands
- Avoid coughing or sneezing into hands
- Avoid crowded places
- Avoid touching surfaces in public places and play areas unnecessarily
Points For Discussions About COVID-19
What is COVID-19?
- COVID-19 is the short name for 'coronavirus disease 2019'
- It is a new virus. Doctors are still learning more about it
- Recently, this virus has made a lot of people sick
- Doctors and scientists think that most people will be alright, especially kids, but some people might get very sick
- Doctors and experts are working hard to help people stay healthy
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