Hold parents responsible for their children’s bad behaviour

REFERENCE is made to the report “Cops seek A-G’s input on action against parents” ( The Star, Sept 20) which was in connection with the recent fire tragedy at the religious school in Datuk Keramat, Kuala Lumpur that claimed 23 lives and subsequently led to the arrest of seven youths.

First of all, let us define youth. Based on the United Nation’s universal definition, youths are classified as persons between the ages of 15 and 24 years.

However, I believe that this should also include those who are below 15 years of age.

Come to KL, especially during weekends, and you will notice groups of youths loitering around the streets and malls in the city centre.

You will find some below the age of 10 acting like punks. What sets them apart from the others is the way they behave (talking loudly, whistling at girls, indulging in anti-social behaviour and some have been caught stealing).

It is widely acknowledged that these rowdy youths usually come from families in the low-income bracket. In most cases, parents in this bracket have to work hard even during weekends to make ends meet, thus limiting their supervisory role.

Honestly, and I am not trying to be crude, I believe that parents who are not capable of looking after youths under their care should also face the brunt of the law as it is their responsibility to educate their young ones.

A word of advice; if a couple plans to start a family, they should know full well their responsibilities to care for and educate their children. Not paying attention to their child’s whereabouts or who they mix with demonstrates a lack of parental guidance and attention to their children’s welfare.

I for one believe that action should be taken against parents of youths who are a menace to society.

Hopefully, this would remind other parents not to take parenthood for granted.

ER Kuala Lumpur