Increase in juvenile delinquency

The Issue: The sharp increase in juvenile delinquency rate in the NMI is very alarming.

Our View: Parents can’t leave their undisciplined children to teachers at Hopwood Jr. High.

Young pupils are basically good kids. In the whirlwind of a confused adolescency, they struggle equally hard to understand how best could they contribute to their own good. They try to understand so they could be understood. And often we failed them in this area.

However, when a young kid struggles through the maze of his/her identity crisis, he/she usually needs a guiding beacon to see his/her way through thick and thin. This is where parents hold firmly to his/her hand to ascertain that he/she doesn’t go astray as a result of neglect.

Over the years, we have seen real conservative island families make the transition to permissiveness. This is fueled by the umpteen and difficult demands of modernity. Both parents had to find employment leaving real quality family to house maids or simply let kids fend for themselves. Traditional discipline of young kids has gradually disappeared with time. Parental obligations have also deteriorated.

Thus, the new attitude of leaving the welfare of school age children almost entirely in the hands of teachers. This business of passing the buck to teachers (disciplining of students) is wrong! It should be understood that the role of teachers is simply one of an extension. He must not be burdened with undisciplined students whose parents have failed them at the home front.

It is important this is understood in that teachers also have other students willing to learn or go through class so they understand their daily lessons. An undisciplined student disrupts the rights of others to benefit for daily instructions. This setback is wasted time and a denial of the benefits of learning for other students who are forced into a very unpleasant learning environment.

It doesn’t take much for a confused student to get back on track with his/her peers. If only mom and dad could convey a sense of love and care, he/she would also contribute to the well-being of fellow students. They are good kids. Listen to their concerns and reciprocate with love and care. It’s good for the student, parents and the Northern Marianas Community. Let’s do it today! Si Yuus Maase`!