The Bhutanese Leading the way.
To improve the overall well-being of students, the Ministry of Education and Skills Department (MoESD) has issued a set of urgent guidelines for all schools across Bhutan.
These measures are designed to ensure a positive, nurturing, and safe learning environment for every child, reflecting the nation’s ongoing commitment to student welfare.
The guidelines cover a wide range of important issues, from promoting positive discipline to ensuring nutritious meals, maintaining a substance-free campus, and promoting meaningful family connections.
With the growing recognition that both physical and emotional well-being are integral to student success, school leaders are being called upon to act as role models and ensure that their institutions prioritize the needs of their students.
One of the most critical aspects of these reminders is the emphasis on positive discipline. Schools are now mandated to eliminate corporal punishment and instead implement non-violent, constructive disciplinary methods. “It is evident from research that children learn better when the environment is safe and free of fear,” said the MoESD.
Positive discipline involves teachers using communication, understanding, and constructive feedback to guide students’ behavior, which ultimately leads to better academic outcomes.
The shift toward positive discipline is not just about preventing physical punishment, but also promoting a classroom atmosphere of mutual respect. Teachers are encouraged to engage with students constructively, guiding them toward better behavior through communication and support rather than fear.
Nutrition is another key area of focus. As part of the school feeding program, principals are required to ensure that meals are balanced and nutritious, with oversight provided directly by school leadership.
The guidelines emphasize that principals and vice-principals must regularly check on meal quality, highlighting the importance of their direct involvement in overseeing these vital aspects of student life. Ensuring that students receive meals that support both their physical health and cognitive development is seen as a foundational part of creating a thriving school environment.
Another crucial directive calls for a substance-free environment in schools. Teachers and staff are prohibited from consuming alcohol, tobacco, or doma while on school premises or during school hours.
MoESD emphasizes that educators must lead by example, upholding the highest standards of conduct and ensuring that their actions reflect the values they aim to instill in their students.
Recognizing the importance of physical activity for overall well-being, the guidelines also mention student participation in sports, ensuring all students, whether day scholars or boarders, have access to physical activities.
Regular engagement in physical activities helps students develop essential social skills, improve their mental health, and foster teamwork. The guidelines ensure that students are given ample opportunities during lunch, recess, and after school to participate in physical activities, which will contribute to a balanced, healthy lifestyle.
The ministry also emphasizes the need for ethical conduct in all school operations. School leaders are tasked with promoting transparency, integrity, and accountability, ensuring that school resources are managed responsibly.
It is essential for school staff to adhere to the highest standards of professionalism, ensuring that every aspect of school management is above reproach.
Another important guideline shared is the importance of family communication, especially for boarders. Schools are asked to ensure that students have regular contact with their families, particularly during weekends and emergencies.
For students living away from home, maintaining strong connections with their families is crucial for their emotional well-being. Allowing them to stay connected helps mitigate feelings of loneliness and anxiety, contributing to a healthier overall experience for students in school.
One of the most debated guidelines focuses on homework communication and the use of social media. The ministry has mandated that teachers must assign and communicate homework within the school, itself, and the use of social media for this purpose should be discontinued immediately.
The MoESD said, “This is to address high screentime issues that are manifesting as physical and mental health problems for students, which is an emerging health concern given the latest health statistics.”
Additionally, school leaders are being asked to facilitate better communication with parents through school-approved methods, ensuring that families are informed about school activities and student progress without relying on social media platforms.
MoESD emphasizes school safety and student well-being as a top priority. Schools are instructed to regularly assess and improve safety measures to protect students and staff from potential risks.
This includes ensuring secure facilities, implementing emergency preparedness protocols, and promoting mental health support services. These measures are crucial in safeguarding students against physical and emotional harm and ensuring they have access to the support they need during difficult times.
