Character education starts at home

New Straits Times

4 hours ago

LETTERS: Recent reports about bullying, disciplinary cases, and troubling attitudes among Malaysian teenagers have become alarmingly common.
While public debate often focuses on improving school facilities or updating curricula, we should instead look at a more fundamental truth: the moral compass of our young generation.
This element should actually start at home.
Across all faiths, education is seen not as a phase, but a lifelong journey. Education is a continuous pursuit of knowledge that shapes both mind and character.
Parents are the first teachers and the ones most responsible for shaping children's character). Without this foundation, even the most advanced education system will fail to produce individuals who are just, compassionate, and responsible.
But unhealthy trends and moral decline including bad behaviour, crude language, and disrespect are sadly creeping into our schools and communities.
Too often, parents assume that teachers will 'handle' the moral upbringing of their children. While educators play a vital role, their influence is limited by time, resources, and the competing demands of teaching multiple subjects.
A teacher may meet a student for a few hours a day; a parent, however, shapes the home environment every single day.
When that environment is nurturing and firm in moral discipline, children learn to stand against peer pressure, reject bullying, and uphold respect for others.
If a child witnesses honesty, humility, and patience at home, these traits become their default behaviour.
On the other hand, if they see anger, gossip or disrespect within the family, no amount of school discipline will undo that early 'training'.
In addressing current problems such as bullying and attitude issues, parents must take a proactive stance.
This includes monitoring their children's friendships, setting clear boundaries for social media use, and having open conversations about peer influence and moral courage.
Equally important is encouraging acts of kindness and community service so that children learn the joy of contributing positively to society.
The current challenges will be solved when families reclaim their role as the first and most important educators.