It is shocking to hear about the accident at the Shatadurga Higher Secondary School in Bicholim, Goa, where four boys allegedly used pepper spray in the classroom on students. Twelve girls from class 11 complained of breathing difficulties and were hospitalized. Doctors at the hospital found that the pepper spray was the cause of the incident. Pepper spray is a chemical spray that causes pain, inflammation, and temporary blindness. It can also cause shortness of breath, dizziness, chest pain, loss of consciousness, throat burning, rashes, blisters, and burns on contact with the skin.
Pepper spray is used as a less-lethal weapon in policing, crowd control, and self-defense. It is unclear why the four boys brought pepper spray to school and used it on their classmates. Their behavior is unacceptable and may have been intended to harm others. Schools should install cameras in classrooms to monitor student behavior and keep students safe. The police should take serious action against the boys involved in this case. Schools should also educate students about the dangers of pepper spray and other harmful substances. Students who engage in disruptive or harmful behavior should be held accountable.
