By Dr. Jagessar Das
Education is the most important acquisition of childhood and youth. It is incumbent on parents to see that their children get all the education they can. But there are a few negative behaviors in children and youth that we need to be aware of, and try to prevent.
Over the years there have been numerous instances of violence among students, and between students and teachers. In a previous article I wrote about a 14 year old boy who slashed the throat of a 15 year old in West Vancouver. In Surrey, a 15 year old girl stabbed a 14 year old girl in the back of her neck at a secondary school. Everyone will perhaps remember the murder of Reena Virk in Victoria by several other students. In another incident a female student spiked her teacher’s coffee with LSD and he suffered brain damage and hallucinations.
What are the causes of such problems, and what can be done about them? It appears that students, and people in general, are becoming much more self-centered, and wanting to do whatever they please in a generally more permissive society. This is often at the expense of the well being of others. There are three areas of responsibility that we can consider:
The first area involves the responsibility of parents. All parents who value education would will like to bring up obedient and respectable children who are an asset to society. This, however, does not mean they will stifle their children’s natural curiosity and self-expression. Teachers are next in line, after parents, in imparting education to the child. Since education is one of the most important ingredients for a successful life, parents need to pay special attention to teaching their children respect for teachers. If this is ingrained in young students, as they mature, they will continue to gain the most from their teachers.
The second area involves the responsibility of teachers. Teachers need to show respect and impartiality to students. Teachers, no doubt, have personal problems, but it is their duty not to bring these problems to the classroom. Teachers, through maturity and training, just like those of other professions, must exercise self-control, even when they face a few disruptive students. Schools have counselors to whom such students must be referred. Counselors also have the means for referral to other professionals within the community for assisting troubled children. A teacher needs to teach with love, kindness, understanding, and encouragement, since children do not have the wisdom and mature judgment to always behave with propriety. They need teaching in this respect.
The third area is the responsibility of the student. Students need to display humility, respect, and love towards their teachers. They must understand that teaching is the most valuable role that the teacher has to play in their educational lives. They must also understand that education will determine their future success. Teachers are not adversaries, but rather allies towards achieving future goals.
If parents, teachers and students adhere to the simple principles outlined above, education can be a process of enjoyment, fit for the development of young minds. Permissiveness and the assertion of individual rights must be tempered with responsibility and understanding.
Dr. Jagessar Das is a Surrey-based spiritualist and head of the Kabir Association of Canada. He can be reached at www.kabir.ca
