This archive report was first published on 20 September 2019.
Published on September 20, 2019, by NJOKI CHEGE, a director at the Aga Khan University Graduate School of Media and Communications.
As I watched a recent video of a pupil spewing expletives, I couldn't help but think about the root cause of this behavior. The child's tirade was not just a reflection of their anger, but also a manifestation of the lack of parenting and the influence of social media.
Today's parents are often too busy scrolling through their phones to pay attention to their children. They are more concerned with their online presence than with spending quality time with their kids. This has led to a generation of children who are growing up without the guidance and support they need.
Children are exposed to social media at a young age, and it's no wonder that they are picking up on the language and behavior of their parents. Social media is a cesspool of narcissists, predators, and idlers, and it's not a place for children to be.
As a society, we need to take a step back and reflect on our parenting styles. We need to prioritize quality time with our children and teach them the values of respect, empathy, and kindness. We need to be role models for our children and show them that there is a better way to communicate and interact with others.
So, the next time you see a child behaving badly, don't just blame the child. Look at the parents and ask yourself, 'What are they doing to support their child?' 'Are they spending quality time with their child?' 'Are they teaching their child the values of respect and empathy?' If the answer is no, then we need to do better.
