As schools reopened for Std IX and X after almost two years, students find themselves dealing with some unexpected developments. When Covid-19 upended lives in 2020, these students were in Std VIII, when most were pre-pubescent. Their physical transformations, psychologists say, have resulted in teasing and ragging.
 
Alisha Lalljee, special educator, counsellor and psychotherapist, says after schools physically reopened, she has been seeing at least six-eight cases of children with complaints of bullying and relationship problems. “While the bullying problem is seen mostly by boys, relationship problems are seen to be affecting the girls more,” she said.

Puberty, family among reasons

Lalljee said with these children entering their teens in lockdown and returning to school now, low self-esteem, being judgemental about other classmates’ looks have become common. “Many children are facing problems with how they look different now. They are being judged for their heights, voice change, and overall appearance. And few also pass derogatory remarks. I have got children who don’t want to attend physical school because of the ragging,” she said.