73% students satisfied with their school, finds NCERT survey

The National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) recently surveyed over 3.79 lakh students from 36 states and UTs. The Manodarpan Cell of the NCERT held the survey to understand the perceptions of school students on aspects related to mental health and well-being. For accurate results, it collected information from students across gender and grades — middle state (6-8) and secondary stage (9 to 12) between January to March 2022.

According to the findings, at least 73% students are satisfied with their school life. Over 33% comply with peer pressure most of the time, the survey mentioned.

“Decline in satisfaction with personal and school life is seen, as students shift from middle to secondary stage. The secondary stage is marked by challenges of identity crisis, increased sensitivity towards relationships, peer pressure, fear of board examination, anxiety and uncertainty experienced by students for their future admissions, career, etc.,” the survey report stated.

Further, the survey found that 81% respondents attribute studies, exams and results as major causes of anxiety. As many as 43% of the total respondents admitted being able to quickly adapt to changes and the response of students at middle stage (46%) was higher than students at secondary stage (41%).

A total of 51% students face difficulty in learning online while 28% of the respondent students are hesitant in asking questions. The survey revealed that “yoga and meditation, attempts to shift the way students think and writing journals were reported as frequently adopted strategies by them for coping with stress”.