‘Age limit in schools curb behavioural problems’

The AAP government has told the Delhi high court that age limit for admission in government schools was essential as an adult and adolescent in a same class could create “complex behavioural problems”, which might lead to teenage pregnancy and substance abuse. The government, in its affidavit filed in the court, said if there is be no upper age limit, it may lead to a variety of “sexual and social problems”.

“If an adult is in the same class as an adolescent, it will create complex behavioural problems, which may lead to teenage pregnancy, substance abuse, aggressive bullying and violent outburst,” the affidavit, filed by the DoE, said. The affidavit, which was filed before Justice Sanjeev Sachdeva, countered a petition which has challenged an April 2014 circular issued by DoE prescribing appropriate student age for admission in the government schools. It said that age gap between the students might have an adverse effect on their studies and “common problems faced will be of bullying, inter-person relations, mental harassment of students and teachers, politics, safety and security, sexual abuse and legal issues in the schools”.