Sunday 01 / February / 2026
Muscat: There are moments that remind communities how fragile young minds can be — and how powerful the words and reactions of adults can be in shaping a child’s emotional world.
The Indian community in Oman is mourning the accidental death of a 12-year-old student on Saturday night. The boy, a Grade 7 student, was described by school authorities as bright, responsible, and serving as deputy head of his school house. The school management has extended its condolences to the grieving family.
In the wake of the tragedy, parents and educators are reflecting on the emotional pressures children face in today’s fast-changing environment.
“As parents and educators, we often focus on discipline, performance and preparing children for the future, but sometimes we unintentionally overlook the emotional world they are navigating every day,” said a parent who requested anonymity.
Many parents noted that children today grow up amid digital distractions, academic pressure, and constant social comparison. What may seem trivial to adults — such as screen time, a poor grade, or a scolding — can feel overwhelming to a child who is still learning to process emotions, expectations and disappointment.
They emphasised that the issue is not about removing discipline or structure, but about how communication is handled. Calm explanations, reassurance, and a listening ear can often be more effective than raised voices or lectures.
“A child does not always need advice. Often, they simply need to feel heard and reassured that mistakes are acceptable,” Sushil Kumar, another parent added.
Parents also highlighted the need for more collaborative conversations around technology use, noting that confrontational approaches can shift the focus from learning to fear, which rarely fosters understanding.
Importance of counselling and emotional support
In discussions following the incident, several parents and educators pointed to counseling as an under-recognised but powerful support tool for families and schools.
They stressed that seeking guidance from a trained counselor should not carry stigma, but rather be viewed as a proactive step in caring for a child’s emotional wellbeing.
Children, like adults, experience stress, peer pressure and emotional confusion, but often lack the vocabulary or confidence to express these feelings. Counsellors can provide a safe and neutral space for children to speak openly without fear of judgment. “Parents, too, can benefit from counseling by gaining perspective on communication styles, behavioral changes, and emotional triggers. Even small adjustments at home can have a significant positive impact,” a counselor said.
Schools that integrate counselling support systems often see improvements in students’ confidence, conflict resolution skills, peer relationships, and reduced anxiety around academics.
Experts note that counselling is not only useful in times of crisis, but also as a preventive and developmental tool that nurtures resilience, emotional intelligence and self-awareness from an early age.
Parents and educators agree that schools and families share a collective responsibility to create environments where children feel safe to speak about their worries without fear of judgment.
They stressed that the solution lies not in silence or strict control, but in dialogue, empathy and support.
“Every child deserves to feel safe, valued and understood. Sometimes, the smallest conversation and the willingness to seek support can prevent the biggest regret,” a parent said.
The tragedy has prompted a renewed call within the community to prioritise emotional safety alongside academic and physical wellbeing, ensuring that children grow up feeling heard, supported and secure.
