Discipline starts at home, not at school

Afed-up Kwazulu-natal principal posted a stern warning on Facebook to parents of ill-disciplined learners. I fully concur with the principal that “schools are not babysitting institutions but learning institutions”.

From the high number of misdemeanour incidents reported in the media, it is evident that children’s behaviour at schools has generally worsened.

Unruly and disruptive behaviour not only affects the delinquent student’s learning outcomes but also affects learning and teaching in the classroom and the results of other diligent and well-mannered children.

Even more worrying is the vulgarity and physical aggression that kids are exhibiting these days. Parents need to monitor their kid’s social spaces, after school interactions, social media, online games and internet usage. In addition, parents also need to be mindful of their own language, attitude, behaviour and quality of conversations at home.

Socialisation serves as an important medium in the implementation of good behaviour, values, morals and social cohesion. Covid-19 lockdown regulations has aggravated the learning crisis and children around the globe have fallen behind in their learning as well as in their behaviour and approach to schooling.

Parents need to work with the school’s discipline policies in order to keep the school a safe place for learners, staff and for quality learning and teaching to take place.

Collectively, we can help every child complete their basic education and reach their goals.

Mohamed Saeed