The arts, whether drama, dance, drawing, painting, fashion, is a means of expression. It is essential for life since human beings by nature need to ‘draw on the cave wall.’ We need that medium of expression, but unfortunately that medium seems to be lacking in society where some youths are concerned.
Two weeks ago, I discussed the absence of physical education and its detrimental effects on children and my ultimate fear for their future. But what I have also been noticing recently is far worse; it’s a plague on everyone’s future; it shows a lack of morals, values and positive upbringing.
They are several new groups online where teenagers log in anonymously to trash talk their school mates, friends and (surprise, surprise) their enemies. Children are no longer expressing their feelings and emotions in a constructive manner that will lead to resolution. It has now become a digitial war zone which can possibly manifest in real physical harm.
It is obvious that these teenagers who are trash talking people on social websites are hiding behind pseudonyms. For a fact, children do not behave the way their parents perceive them, they have various alter egos for friends, religious groups, relatives, teachers and other members of society but this should not be.
Why should children create different personas to socialise with these different groups in society? I believe children should be able to express themselves and to be comfortable doing so in any environment. When a child can be himself/herself in any environment, then he/she can be properly groomed and respected for his/her innate being.
Creation of a false persona to spew filth on the internet is sick and dangerous. Hiding behind a computer and lashing out at people you socialise with is cowardly. The character assassination can cause anguish. It is bullying and can cause children and families much pain; worst case scenario? the attacked child commits suicide. Would anyone really want to be a part of that? Think.
Whatever is put on the internet can never truly be erased. It is always stored somewhere in some form.
Children today can use technology to express themselves in more creative ways than they are currently engaged in. I strongly believe they need an arena for constructive expression. Writing, drama, music, the arts would be beneficial for the creation of productive minds; children are usually interested if they are given the right push.
Parents, you would be surprised to know what your children are doing on the internet – get involved in their social lives somehow because most of the time they crave your attention. Use this time to get to know your children and instil moral upbringing. Do not be too pushy and invade too much on their privacy but have them know you are concerned for their well-being.
Invest in allowing them to have a hobby or take up a sport and most importantly some aspect of the arts so they can express themselves constructively. And that is the key word – constructively — so their minds can rationalise and resolve conflicts before reaching the point of no return. (Jairo Rodrigues)
