the monitor

Discipline in schools requires all

The disturbing rise of school indiscipline laid bare by Assistant Minister of Child Welfare and Basic Education Justin Hunyepa in Parliament demands more than condemnation; it requires collective action.

Whilst 2,000 cases amongst half a million learners remain a minority, the nature of the offences which include vicious bullying, drug abuse, vandalism, and violence broadcast online is deeply alarming. This isn't just a school problem, but a societal wake-up call.

Discipline starts at home. Parents are the first teachers. When parental guidance weakens, classrooms feel the chaos. Research linking poor monitoring to teen aggression and substance abuse cannot be ignored. The troubling gap in behaviour between public and private schools further highlights the complex interplay of home life, resources, and community expectations.

Editor's Comment
Depression is real; let's take care of our mental health

It is not uncommon in this part of the world for parents to actually punish their children when they show signs of depression associating it with issues of indiscipline, and as a result, the poor child will be lashed or given some kind of punishment. We have had many suicide cases in the country and sadly some of the cases included children and young adults. We need to start looking into issues of mental health with the seriousness it...

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