Parents and teachers should guide aimless kids

JAKARTA (JP): Youth is an expression of joy -- how come it is degenerating into an expression of violence? I'm referring to the student brawls that are now frequent in Jakarta.

This is a law-and-order problem. However, it may be worthwhile to study the background and mental make-up of the students who perpetrate these violent acts. If we consider this matter deeply, it is clearly a sociological problem. As a wise man said, society prepares the criminal and the criminal commits the crime. In this case, it is parents and teachers who should share the blame for students' behavior.

First of all, are parents creating a happy home for children? Parents may feel their responsibility ends with providing for the basic needs for their children. But let's remember children look to us for emotional support and encouragement.

We should spend some time with our children at the end of each working day. If we don't, how can we understand their ambitions, aspirations and moods? If children feel neglected, they may become wild.

Parents should show enthusiasm for the things the kids have accomplished at school. The children should get a feeling that their parents are partners with whom they may converse freely. In short, parents must build a good rapport with their children.

Let's take up children's education now. Moral behavior is a product of humane education.

Children spend the best part of their day in school. Every teacher should realize that he or she is preparing the future citizens of the country.

Good teachers make good pupils. Teachers should have high ideals. See how Bahasa Indonesia put teachers on a pedestal. By the way, "Guru" in English means: spiritual teacher.

Selection of teachers is also a critical factor. Teachers must be paid enough. The government has a decisive role to play. If teachers can't make ends meet, what motivation do they have to develop good students? Children are the wealth of a nation. This wealth can be created only by investing in dedicated teachers.

Moral education should be a compulsory subject in schools across the country. Courtesy, love, kindness, friendliness and sharing, fairness, compassion for the poor, respect for elders, tolerance of others' views and such other topics should be taught in class.

Our youth is aimless. They need a guiding compass so that they can determine their course wisely.

Are not parents and teachers best suited for this task? We shall fervently hope that they rise to the occasion -- the future well-being of society hinges on understanding of their respective roles.

-- D. Chandramouli