Dear Editor,
Picture a once-chatty, energetic child in your class who has suddenly become quiet, disinterested in learning, or struggling academically. Sudden behavioral changes are often the most visible indicators that something deeper is affecting the child. In such cases, teachers can play a vital role by being observant and proactive in identifying students who may be struggling at school due to difficulties at home, in the classroom or within the communities – such as abuse, neglect, or severe emotional distress.
Teachers spend so much time with students that they are often the first to notice when something is off. But the signs aren’t always obvious. It might be a child who suddenly becomes withdrawn, shows fear around certain adults, wears long sleeves in hot weather, or has unexplained bruises. Even changes in school performance or attitude can be red flags.
When a child shows a change in behavior, it’s essential to approach the situation thoughtfully and proactively. Think of behavioral issues as symptoms that require deeper understanding. It’s important to look beyond the surface, considering the child’s situation and family background. Knowing each child’s temperament also helps, how they react to stress, how they handle correction, or how they learn. Whether a child is experiencing emotional abuse, neglect, or family trauma, teachers are often in the best position to notice these patterns and help change the course of that child’s life.
More attention and care can be given to make the child feel secure and supported. If a child acts out with delinquent behavior, they should be given the chance to be listened to and to access counselling, only then can we begin to understand the underlying causes. Teachers should consider factors such as the home environment, peer influences, academic struggles, school and community environment, or emotional issues contributing to the child’s behavior. Rather than scolding or punishing, teachers should focus on safeguarding all children, resolving issues thoughtfully, or referring the student to the school counselor or if not an external counsellor for support.
Teachers don’t have to be experts, but their day-to-day connection with students gives them the advantage of noticing small but important changes. Understanding each child’s temperament can help teachers provide tailored support that meets the child’s unique needs.
A brilliant example of social issues comes from the small Indian state of Kerala, where the Department of Public Education announced that the first two weeks of the 2025–2026 academic year will be dedicated entirely to social awareness classes instead of the usual textbook curriculum. This groundbreaking initiative – the first of its kind in India, aims to educate students on pressing social issues. Education Minister V. Sivankutty shared that the awareness campaigns will cover topics such as drug abuse, hygiene, and digital discipline, replacing traditional lessons during that period. In Guyana, some of our schools conduct awareness on these issues at various intervals, perhaps a more intentional approach may be useful in some spaces where children/youth are more in need of this information.
Teachers can help students understand that everyone makes mistakes and learns from them. By building trust, children and youth can come to see their teacher not as someone who will judge them but as someone who listens and supports them. Instead of punishing a struggling child, teachers can teach them how to heal from family trauma or personal issues. A good teacher during a child’s early years is a lifelong gift.
Children don’t just wake up one day and become who they are – they are shaped by what they see, hear, and absorb around them. This is also a reminder to parents: invest in your child’s future. Check their homework, ask about their day, build their character and confidence, and guide their hearts to love and be kind. The awareness on critical social issues should really start at home within the families, however, this is not always possible for many reasons. Hence, the school environment could become more valuable when it’s part of the continuum care that children need in their everyday lives.
Yours sincerely,
ChildLinK Inc.
