A 5th grade schoolgirl from Pune tried to run away to her aunt’s place to break free from the pressure of study, tuitions, schoolwork and above all parental expectations. Thankfully, she returned home safe and sound. This is an alarming situation. In the relentless pursuit of academic excellence, our young generation is sinking under the weight of immense pressure. The pressure stems from a multitude of sources – parental expectations, the heavy burden of studies, the stress of school, and the demands of extracurricular activities. This is taking a toll on our youth, leading to increased stress. Students find it difficult to focus on learning when they are dealing with unbelievable amount of pressure from all sides. The urge to explore your passion, the curiosity to learn and understand what is new is lost.
The study load itself has become a significant source of stress. Students juggle multiple classes, each with its own set of assignments, tests, and exams. The constant race to keep up with the curriculum leaves little room for leisure or self-discovery.
To make matters worse, tuition has become the new normal. While the goal of seeking out extra academic help is to improve your education, it often becomes a source of stress.
Extracurricular activities, which are meant to be a source of joy and personal growth, can also become stressors when piled on top of an already heavy workload. The pressure to excel not only academically but also in sports, arts, or other activities can leave students feeling stretched thin and exhausted.
It is time to re-evaluate our approach to education and prioritize the well-being of our youth. We must foster a learning environment that nurtures creativity, individuality, and resilience, rather than one that breeds stress, anxiety, and self-doubt. We must encourage open communication between parents, educators, and students to identify and address the sources of stress and promote a healthy balance between academics, personal development, and overall well-being.