From our mini-survey and interactive discussions with a
group of youths during the “Peace Roundtable” (https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=oa.631812940192972&type=3) held to mark the 2013
International Day of Peace, we were able to peek into the minds of the average youth
in our immediate society for their overall perception of violence and peace.
Most children understand peace to be a state of
harmonious living, free from rancour. They know it is inappropriate to fight
even though it is quite prevalent in our homes and schools.
A habit of fighting
breeds a high propensity for violent conduct.
Although it is a common practice to retaliate instantaneously
when offended, they generally know it is inappropriate because it aggravates
animosity, so a higher percentage of youths tend towards vocal confrontations.
...but, vocal
confrontation in itself constitutes violence.
Fights among children generally stem from anger or
displeasure occasioned by discontentment and maltreatment, misunderstanding and
vengeance.
Only a few know about peaceful conflict resolution as a
concept – and this knowledge is from the home, and not in the schools.
...very unfortunate that
in a society where they are taught to solve so much, there are no lessons on
how to “solve”these...
A larger percentage of children are (expectedly) closer
to their parents than most other adults.
Parents, teachers and other adults more often resort to
punishment when children err – and punishment is usually of the physical kind
(inducing physical pain through flogging and labourious activities).
We are, by this,
teaching them that conflicts are to be resolved by inflicting pain
(violence)...
Parents, teachers and other adults mediate between
children or youth in conflict.
Keep this up and
encourage them to do same, and they’ll learn to do same.
Most children believe (poor) government to be responsible
for the violence experienced in the country. Many others really do not know the
root causes. They do however believe it is worsening with time because they
consider every government to be the same (from a performance viewpoint).
They generally do not know what can be done to stem
violence, but are just hopeful it changes. They believe they can contribute to
stamping out violence, but do not know how exactly to go about it.
This is where they need
proper and consistent guidance by every adult.
Children need to be
taught a consistent message about peace and nonviolence, and this
responsibility lies with every adult, especially parents and teachers.
