Bullying and protection
Blaming parents
I DON’T feel it to be right that the Minister for Education is blaming the parents and showing her concern by telling the parents to gear up in terms of their relationships with their children to help prevent bullying and other negative issues at school.
I am sure many concerned parents were and are already on to it. Some parents are going out of their way to mould their children and bring improvements in their lives.
Just because of some irresponsible parents and students, we cannot tell all parents that they are falling short on their upbringing and that it is the sole reason of such events taking place in and outside schools.
Here the parents, teachers and the stakeholders all are to be considered. All children are also different with different abilities and understanding at different levels.
Please take note that nowadays children are not in any sort of fear since corporal punishment is banned. I’m not in favour of corporal punishment. Not before neither now.
Also to have students’ studying in fear is not good, but my point is that nowadays with the eradication of corporal punishment and “free education’’ and other “freebies’’, some people take things for granted. Of course the appreciation is there, but how one utilises it for their betterment is the main factor. Schools should also instil some sense into these students on the repercussions of their wrongdoings. Counselling nowadays does not seem to be working out.
Yes, I agree that the main role of teachers is to teach and not to discipline students, but that does not mean the focus of attention should be attracted to parents only.
Let’s hope for some constructive solutions as bullying is not a small issue. It can leave a scar in the minds of children for the rest of their lives. Responsibility has to come from both parents and schools.
KIRTI PATEL
Lautoka