MY students approach me quite often to request favours regarding their marks in examinations. When I inquire about their poor academic performance, manyattribute it to challenges within their family environment. This issue seems particularly prevalent among female students, who talk of their home environments being toxic, with some even sharing thoughts of running away from home or, tragically, contemplating suicide.

In addition to their academic struggles, these students frequently exhibit behavioural issues, such as low selfconfidence, excessive fear, and heightened emotional sensitivity. Hearing such distressing accounts has made me realise the criticalneedfor student counsellors at the university level.

Every department should have a dedicated counsellor who should provide professional guidance, emotional support, and practical advice to help students cope with personal hardships without compromising their studies or emotional wellbeing. Moreover, parents must realise their vital role in fostering a healthy and supportive home environment.

By creating a positive atmosphere at home, they can nurture their children`s emotional stability and academic success.

Taniya Ahmed Jamshoro