Excise suggests checks on erratic behaviour

The excise department has sent out a circular asking teachers and parents to watch out for erratic or deviant behaviour among students.

Dr K Prashant, a psychopathologist says, “If the children suddenly start hanging out with new friends and do not invite them home or if their regular hangout spot changes, it should not be labeled as typical teenage behaviour. Sudden reclusive behaviour should be attended to immediately.”

“Excessive guarding of certain personal belongings like backpacks, not caring for personal grooming can all be taken as signs,” he said.

Doctors say that bloodshot eyes don’t necessarily mean drug usage like it did in the past. Clearing eye drops have nullified this.

Unusual sleeping hours and eating habits including sudden weight gain or weight loss should also be observed.

Medical experts stress on the importance of nipping drug usage in the bud because a child who has experimented with a drug due to peer pressure will talk about the experience to his parents and teachers if forced to do so, but once he/she becomes a regular, their rebellious behavior will thwart any parental effort to intervene.

We have been instructed to look out for children who suddenly lose interest in studies and start performing differently. Any kind of defensive behaviour and withdrawal from routine activity will be monitored henceforth;

— ANITHA SURESH A teacher