Overview

• A Hindustan Times commentary argues AI should serve as first-line support and triage in schools under continuous human supervision.
• Cited peer-reviewed studies report AI-generated replies were frequently rated more compassionate than messages from human therapists in text-based settings.
• The case for scalable tools is framed by NCRB data showing over 13,000 student suicides in 2021 and a UNICEF-Gallup finding that only 41% of adolescents would seek help.
• The piece highlights risks including digital-access gaps, algorithmic bias and cultural insensitivity, urging privacy safeguards, transparency and clinician oversight.
• Kerala’s Jeevani Mental Health Programme is presented as an example of technology complementing counsellors within educational institutions.