We need expert advice on disciplining children

Parents have lost the will and the means, and some just don’t know how to go about it, writes John.

South Africa is one of the most violent and unsafe countries in the world. It was also ranked the third most dangerous country in 2016. Domestic violence is just as prevalent. A sad state of affairs indeed.

Children are exposed to these high levels of violence almost daily and accept violence as the only means of finding solutions to their problems.

Violence among teenagers has increased over the years, and because of the over-emphasis on children’s rights, they know they can literally get away with murder, and thus exploit this fact.

This, in turn, has led to an attitude of arrogance, demands and entitlement among many teens.

Sadly, though, they also experience more violence than adults, especially in gang-infested zones.

Unfortunately, all violence threatens the health and emotional well-being of the child, resulting in physical and behavioural disturbances, as can be seen in the violence taking place in our schools.

Violent situations cause children to experience fear and anxiety that causes stress. That, in turn, reflects on their ability to function at school, thus their opposition to education and disrespect of their teachers.

Parents have lost the will and the means, and some don’t know how to discipline their children. Perhaps experts in this area could give parents, through the printed media, advice on how to go about this.