The recent plane crash in Dhaka’s Uttara area led not only to deaths but also left many students severely burnt and injured. Some witnessed classmates and teachers consumed by flames, while others saw the horrific aftermath. Children who were not physically present are still being exposed to disturbing images and videos circulating online. While physical wounds may take time to heal, the emotional scars will last far longer—affecting many more students returning to their institutions with deep psychological trauma.
Whether directly affected or exposed indirectly, every child who encountered the incident is now at risk of compromised mental health. This calls for heightened awareness and attention from both parents and teachers. Those who experienced or witnessed the crash face significant risk of developing psychological conditions.
In the immediate term, they may suffer from ‘Acute Stress Disorder’, and later, ‘Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)’. The traumatic memories may recur—students rescued from the wreckage may relive the screams of classmates, the sight of burnt bodies, or other horrific visuals whenever they return to school. They may remain perpetually anxious or fearful of danger.
Common symptoms can include sleep disturbances, nightmares, emotional numbness, difficulty concentrating, forgetfulness, or loss of interest in studies. The grief of losing friends or beloved teachers may lead to depression. Feelings of guilt from being unable to save others could also arise.
Children may not always express their depression clearly; instead, it may show as irritability. Some may suffer from heightened anxiety. Others may struggle to express emotions or subconsciously forget significant parts of the incident. Many could lose interest in learning or be unable to concentrate in class. The fear, trauma, and helplessness might even give rise to suicidal tendencies.
This is not limited to students from the affected school. Many other children, having viewed the horrifying images and footage through various media, may also suffer psychological harm. During this critical period, parents, teachers, and school authorities have a vital role to play in safeguarding students’ mental health. Saddened and traumatised children may struggle to focus on their studies, and should not be forced to do so. Instead, a gradual return to learning should be encouraged.
Classrooms must be made joyful and student-friendly. Children must be given space to express their thoughts and emotions freely. Beyond studies, extra-curricular activities, sports, and healthy entertainment must be encouraged. A sense of safety must be built through supportive social environments. Children should also be trained in how to cope with stress and adapt to challenges.
If a child is diagnosed with depression, anxiety, PTSD, or any other psychological condition, professional psychiatric help must be sought. To prevent suicide, families and educational institutions must remain particularly alert.
In addition, to promote individual mental well-being among students, guardians can adopt the following strategies:
- Maintain healthy communication with family and friends: Set aside time every day exclusively for your child. Try to eat at least one meal a day together as a family. Encourage your school-going child to engage in conversation or play with family and friends rather than becoming reliant solely on digital media for social interaction.
- Encourage physical activity: Regular exercise, walking, or swimming (if possible) should be promoted—not only for physical fitness but also for better mental health. However, this does not mean long hours in the gym.
- Encourage learning something new: Acquiring new skills boosts confidence and improves communication. Help your child learn a new language, music, art, sport, or any life-skill that is practical and enjoyable.
- Foster generosity and altruism: Develop your child’s empathy and sense of social responsibility. In times of need, be there for friends and relatives, and involve your child in volunteering activities.
Besides, good mental health requires adequate—but not excessive—sleep, proper rest, a nutritious and balanced diet, and a disciplined daily routine. In all this, parents play an indispensable role, especially for children.
The author is an Associate Professor, Department of Community and Social Psychiatry, National Institute of Mental Health
