Our schools and colleges prepare children for adulthood. They are also among the most important spaces for shaping beliefs about respect, consent, equality and healthy relationships. But are our educational institutions doing enough to address these realities?

The Justice Verma Committee Report underscored the importance of critical thinking in schools — building skills that help young people make informed decisions and challenge patriarchal belief systems that are deeply rooted in culture. A lack of this groundwork puts the mental health and wellbeing of children, adolescents and young adults at serious risk.

Do our educators feel equipped to talk about gender, sexuality, cultural sensitivity, bullying, the age of consent, and the difference between appropriate and inappropriate behaviour? When do students encounter the laws that directly affect their safety and rights?

The answer matters: ignorance and misinformation in these areas can be life-threatening. Sexuality education — in its broadest sense — is a shared responsibility of educational institutions, parents and communities. Teachers, in particular, are positioned to act as partners in protecting the wellbeing of the young people in their care.

At the college and university level, sexual harassment continues to significantly impact the educational experiences of many students. Higher education institutions must take a leadership role in addressing harassment and discrimination on campus. They must model diversity, inclusion and safety — not just in policy, but in campus culture and practice.

Despite their potential, educational spaces can become sites of harassment, bullying, ragging and discrimination. Building a campus climate that is free from bias requires deliberate, sustained effort — and innovative strategies that go beyond awareness posters and mandatory sessions.

Starting early is not just good practice. It is the foundation of a safer future.