Building Trust-Based School Cultures to Prevent Adolescent Risk Behaviors- Anurag Tripathi

The presentation and reading materials shared by Sandeep Dutt Sir reveal a profound truth about modern education: to truly protect and nurture vulnerable adolescents, schools must dismantle rigid, curriculum-driven "brick walls" and prioritise a culture of empathy, reflection, and deep relational trust.

When students encounter the intense pressures of adolescence, they may turn to Volatile Substance Abuse (VSA)—the misuse of everyday items such as diluters, glues, and sanitisers—not out of a desire for physical harm, but as a psychological coping mechanism to escape stress, fit in, or gain acceptance among their peers. Traditional punitive measures, such as suspension or detention, fail to address the root causes of these behaviours; instead, they often deepen feelings of alienation and isolate children from the very support systems they need.

The ultimate antidote to such high-risk behaviours lies in building horizontal, trust-based relationships and cultivating a congenial, experiential learning environment where young minds feel valued, understood, and energised. By replacing harsh zero-tolerance policies with customised corrective interventions and open communication with parents, educators and families, educators can demystify forbidden temptations, reduce the influence of peer pressure, and guide students toward a genuine and safe joy of learning.

Anurag Tripathi

TGT English

Sunbeam School, Ballia