BY SAMAR FATANY Makkah Governorate has initiated a major awareness campaign across the 12 regions of the province to curb the increase in the rate of juvenile crime. Director of Public Rights in the governorate Abdullah Al-Qarrash said that the awareness campaign is aimed at addressing a deep-rooted social culture that considers the possession of arms a source of pride. He said this culture has led to the spread of knives, swords and daggers in schools and that some students have used these weapons against each other, which has led to injury and even death. The public misconduct and rude behavior of some youngsters are evident. Our attempts to advise or reprimand them often make us regret such an effort after receiving an aggressive and insulting reply. However, verbal reactions do not pose a danger and that is why they have been tolerated for quite some time. But when reactions come in the form of an assault with a weapon, then it points to a more dangerous trend. Social scientists urge parents to be proper guardians and to look after their children. Unfortunately, many families do not understand the true meaning of parenting. The loss or erosion of family values of caring, nurturing and sacrificing for one's family is very disappointing. Our children should be given priority over social frivolities and parents must understand the consequences of their neglect and uncaring attitude. It is so distressing to witness the indifference and negligence exercised by parents toward their children nowadays. Mothers are busy socializing, attending meetings, or religious gatherings and are oblivious to what is happening to their children. The younger children are left in the care of nannies, while the older ones are left to do as they please with no supervision or concern. Meanwhile, fathers do not display their love and many are rarely available when needed, as they are too engrossed at work or else too preoccupied with socializing and attending conferences. It was not long ago when fathers took their sons to the mosque or to visit family and friends. During lunch or dinner the father would be at the head of the table, listening to his children's stories about a fight at school or a problem with the teacher and he would offer wise guidance. Conferences and seminars that have become so popular in our country these days have distracted many parents from their more important role which is showing love and giving attention to their children. Many fathers subject their offspring to physical abuse while mothers remain silent. Officials in the Ministry of Social Affairs claim that children have died as a result of family violence, and they urge parents not to resort to violence in order to maintain discipline. Neglect or cruelty has made young children more violent and ill-behaved. Parents should learn how to discipline their children with love and attention and not through abuse which only causes physical and mental harm to the helpless souls. Parents have to provide their children with a sense of comfort and security at an early age in order to curb the rising rage and violence among children. Makkah Governorate in partnership with government departments, NGOs and concerned citizens has conducted in-depth research into the causes of the rise of crime among Saudi youth. Imams, preachers, tribal chiefs and educational institutions have been urged to play a bigger role to curb this menacing syndrome. Many of these crimes were the result of drug abuse, possession of arms, disobedience, family feuds and refusal to pay debts. It is sad to see the role of the imam and the preacher diminishing. The boring sermons and the screaming voices of imams into screeching microphones do not attract the younger generation. Imams should be trained to be effective communicators and trained to impart wisdom on social and current issues that concern and affect young people's lives. Only then can the role of the mosque and the preacher be revived in the eyes of the young. The diminishing role of the school as an institution for learning and building character is another great disappointment to our society today. Teachers are underpaid and do not command respect, their teaching skills are limited and their worries are about their survival and not about their young charges. The absence of discipline and stricter rules in many schools leaves children more vulnerable to drug addiction and criminal behavior. There is an urgency to provide better and happier teachers, healthier environments and improved facilities in our schools in order to enhance the quality of life for our children today. Schools should create a healthy environment that can influence good behavior and discipline among our precious teens. Saudi family campaigns toward educating parents about their parenting role and upgrading the level of our educators and preachers are a positive trend that needs better recognition and more social support. Saudi society will only prosper if our children grow up to be contributing and caring citizens. The country will only progress if the youth of all the regions equally participate in the development of our nation. The nationwide campaigns are also vital to ensure family safety and national social stability. — Samar Fatany is a radio broadcaster and writer. She can be reached at [email protected] __
