Schools should respect children's privacy post-examinations

UGANDA - A friend's child was distraught after a disappointing performance, and fear arose that he might harm himself. He wished to keep his "poor" results confidential. In the recently released UACE examination, he anticipated 18-20 points but only achieved 13, and felt he failed miserably.

Though comforted by his parents during counselling with an assurance of confidentiality, his distress escalated when the school released exam results, including pictures, on social media. This not only intensified his self-loathing but also bred resentment towards the school for publicizing his marks without consent.

This scenario isn't unique; many students face such emotional turmoil. Instances of children resorting to drastic measures post-PLE examination results in the past 5 years underscore a distressing trend that some have resulted in committing suicide. Parents and schools need to do something to alleviate the pressure on both students and teachers.

It raises questions as to why schools insist on publicizing students' marks and images across various platforms without their consent. Is their quest for publicity oblivious to the emotional toll it exacts on students grappling with disbelief and denial about their performance? Do they comprehend the psychological impact, potentially triggering depression and affecting their mental health?

Government intervention is imperative to curb this trend. Schools should be mandated to seek explicit consent from students and parents before publicizing results. Some of these children struggle with school fees and other requirements and no one comes out to help them. They are chased from school every term for school fees and no one cares. But when they try their best and get whatever they have, we are out there to look for their results and performance and we are even good at commenting negatively but at the time of their critical need, it was to whom it may concern. A simple courtesy call to inquire about a student's comfort level is a small but crucial step. It appears schools rarely approach those in denial for counselling.

 Schools need to first seek consent from their students and parents. Moreover, if schools wish to showcase their achievements, they can do so without attaching names and pictures to marks. Such practices demoralize students. Is this invasive publicity the best marketing strategy? Can't a school's performance speak for itself? Must they include every student, even those with minimal scores of three points?

But again, consider the emotional impact on a student who tried their best but isn't recognized among the top performers. It communicates a lack of appreciation for their efforts during their time at the school.

In essence, I strongly denounce this practice and extend empathy to affected students and parents. We can and should aspire to do better next year.

The Ministry of Education and Sports should take a decisive stand, regulating and providing guidelines on safeguarding students' privacy and confidentiality. Even in a free economy, the MOE&S exerts influence over all schools.

The Writer is the executive director of Hope Regeneration Africa, a parenting coach, marriage counsellor, and founder of the Men of Purpose mentorship program.