Safe Campuses, Brighter Futures: 8 Ways to Prevent Ragging in Schools and Colleges

Despite Kerala having the highest literacy rate in India, incidents of ragging in schools and colleges have been on the rise in the state. On February 11, five students from the Government Nursing College in Kottayam were arrested for brutally ragging a junior. The senior students reportedly tied the victim to a bed, inflicted cuts on him with a divider, and subjected him to severe physical abuse. In a similarly tragic case, a 15-year-old student, Mihir Ahammed, from Ernakulam, took his own life in January 2025 after enduring relentless bullying and ragging by senior classmates.

Ragging inflicts severe mental and physical trauma on students and tarnishes the reputation of educational institutions. It is crucial for schools and colleges to adopt a preventive approach and implement stringent measures to eliminate ragging. As the saying goes, "Prevention is better than cure."

Here are ten effective measures that schools and colleges can implement to prevent ragging from occurring on their campuses:

1. Establishment of Robust Anti-Ragging Committees: Each institution should form a dedicated anti-ragging committee comprising faculty members, non-teaching staff, students, and parents. This committee should actively monitor student interactions and promptly address any complaints.

2. Awareness Campaigns and Workshops: Organising regular anti-ragging awareness programs, seminars, and workshops as well as screening short films related to ragging can educate students about the detrimental effects of ragging. Encouraging senior students to act as mentors and positive role models can help in changing the campus culture.

3. Implementation of Strict Hostel Rules and Supervision: Hostels should appoint proactive wardens to monitor student behaviour closely. Accommodating first-year students in separate hostels or designated safe zones can minimise their exposure to potential ragging.

4. Installation of 24x7 CCTV Surveillance and Security Monitoring: Comprehensive CCTV coverage across campus, including hostels and common areas, coupled with a dedicated team of security personnel, can deter potential ragging incidents and ensure continuous student safety.

5. Increased Supervision in Vulnerable Areas: Recognising that many ragging incidents occur in secluded areas such as washrooms, institutions should assign staff to monitor these high-risk zones and conduct regular security checks to prevent misconduct.

6. Supervision During Cultural Programs and Events: Ensuring continuous supervision during cultural events and programs can prevent unsupervised interactions that may lead to ragging. Faculty involvement in monitoring these events is crucial.

7. Facilitation of Senior-Junior Bonding Activities: Organising ice-breaking sessions, mentorship programs, and interactive events can promote positive relationships between senior and junior students, fostering a culture of respect and camaraderie.

8. Provision of Helpline Numbers and Anonymous Complaint Systems: Institutions should provide a 24/7 anti-ragging helpline and an anonymous complaint mechanism, enabling students to report incidents without fear of retaliation. Authorities must ensure swift and effective responses to such complaints.

By implementing these comprehensive measures, educational institutions can collaborate with students, parents, and authorities to prevent the harmful practice of ragging, ensuring their campuses are safer and more conducive to learning and personal growth.

By Catholic Connect Reporter