Ahmedabad: The fatal stabbing of a Seventh-Day Adventist (SDA) Higher Secondary School student has prompted schools across Ahmedabad to reassess campus safety, with many resuming surprise bag checks. Administrators say what they are finding inside students’ bags is concerning and often reflects influences beyond the classroom.
Shocking items discovered
Over the past week, several schools carried out inspections quietly but firmly. Teachers reported discovering a wide range of items, from expected books and tiffins to mobile phones, tablets, lighters, cigarettes, vapes, and, in one case, alcohol hidden in a water bottle.
Other items confiscated include whiteners, lipsticks, kajal, nail filers, deodorants, oral contraceptives, condoms, spare clothes, and footwear. Some schools also found blades, paper cutters, chains, playing cards, romantic or pornographic novels, expensive pens, flashy jewellery, journals, and cash exceeding the usual Rs 100–200 limit.
Following the SDA incident, one school has banned scissors and rounders altogether unless parents provide written permission for these items.
Parental involvement and responses
Principals say parents are notified immediately about confiscated items and receive them during parent-teacher meetings. While some parents acknowledge their children’s missteps, others are surprisingly comfortable with “adult books” or encourage students to carry mobiles to stay connected when attending tuition classes after school.
In cases involving drugs, alcohol, or sharp weapons, schools escalate matters to the district education office or police authorities. Many administrators emphasise counselling over punishment, pointing out that the environment at home and in society strongly influences student behaviour.
Influence of peer pressure and popular culture
Psychologists and counsellors note that peer pressure and exposure to popular culture heavily impact students’ choices. Dr Prashant Bhimani explained, “If one student brings something, others often follow suit. K-pop, web series, and social media normalise adult habits, encouraging teenagers to imitate what they see on screen.”
Counsellor Smita Ghosh added, “Excessive exposure to violent content on OTT platforms leads some children to believe they need blades, paper cutters, or chains for protection. Easy access to addictive substances at home also normalises such behaviour.”
Emerging trends
One surprising trend involves imported energy drinks, valued at around Rs 1,500, being used in barter among students. “Students sneak these in water bottles and trade sips for favours, including homework help or securing a seat in class,” said an administrator speaking anonymously.
Administrators emphasise that while bag checks help identify contraband, they only scratch the surface. The root causes—family environment, peer influence, and societal exposure—require deeper engagement to guide students towards safer choices.
Conclusion
The recent stabbing and subsequent school inspections highlight growing concerns over adolescent safety in Ahmedabad. Schools, parents, and psychologists are increasingly collaborating to ensure students understand the risks of carrying prohibited items and to cultivate responsible behaviour in and outside the classroom.