1st standard age rule confusion hits kids’ mental health in Karnataka; psychiatrist raises alarm

A growing mental health crisis is unfolding among children under six in Karnataka, as many are being forced to repeat classes due to the government’s strict enforcement of the minimum age requirement for Class 1 admission. As per current policy, children must be six years old as of June to begin first standard — a rule now drawing serious concern from mental health experts.

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Dr Sowmashree CN, Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist, at NIMHANS, has written a letter to the authorities concerned, urging urgent intervention and a possible relook into the policy, citing a sharp rise in anxiety and depression among affected children. They tend to become withdrawn, unable to make new friends, and even facing ragging from peers. 

Several children are estimated to be impacted. Parents, who had waited hopefully for a policy revision, are now rushing to hospitals as their children struggle emotionally and socially. Doctors report a doubling in psychiatric consultations related to school stress.

Repeating classes has led to lack of interest in studies, social isolation, and behavioral issues. It may be noted that children lose motivation when they’re forced to learn what they already know.

Experts warn that without immediate policy clarity and compassionate consideration, this confusion could cause long-term psychological harm to an entire generation.