29/07/2018
16606 times read
29/07/2018
16606 times read
Girls doing the same even surpassing their male KUWAIT CITY, July 29: Violence among students in educational institutions — from fighting to destruction of properties — has worsened and it is no longer observed among boys alone as the girls are doing the same now; even surpassing their male peers in the destruction of school facilities, reports Al-Qabas daily. This has become an unfortunate phenomenon which necessitates serious thoughts among educational and psychological experts, along with close monitoring by families. Official statistics released by the Ministry of Education showed that the problem of vandalism and damage to property by students has been worsening year after year. Educational sources said this phenomenon resulted in wastage of public funds as the administrations of schools usually spend thousands of Kuwaiti dinars annually for maintenance and repair. It has been reported that 1,700 students have committed vandalism in schools. Educational experts have warned against the spread of this phenomenon, stressing it is a manifestation of the aggressive behavior of students and a form of rebellion against the educational system. They pointed out that tampering and destroying school properties by some students is a global phenomenon which could not be addressed and controlled although the harshest penalties are imposed on perpetrators. They asserted this is the responsibility of the family, school and teachers; explaining that vandalism could be deliberate or an act of vengeance among other personal and environmental causes. Sabotage for whatever reason is a form of aggressive behavior and a violent phase of adolescence. Absence of planning Manifestations of tampering and vandalism of school properties extended throughout various stages of education, but the intermediate and secondary stages are the two most prominent phases for emergence of vandalism. Biological, psychological and mental changes in this age play an important role in development, especially if the weakness or absence of family, teachers and community planning is taken into consideration. Experts pointed out students always cause damages to school properties during and after classes and the intensity of damage varies. In the simplest case, writing and drawing on tables and walls but it could reach the point of breaking furniture, electrical appliances, toilets and billboards, in addition to vandalizing the cars of teachers and school buses. Statistics The latest educational statistics indicate that the number of property damage cases increased significantly over the past two years — 1,395 in 2015/2016 which increased to 1,706 in 2016 /2017. Statistics showed that the last school year witnessed 848 cases of property damage by male students in various educational stages, while 858 cases were committed by female students. Appropriate ways to cope with the phenomenon Social and psychological experts have recommended ways to cope with this phenomenon as follows: ■ Training and encouraging students to express their opinions within the framework of responsible freedom. ■ Suggest ways of expressing opinions by putting them in the proposals box. ■ Develop the sense of loyalty and belongingness to the homeland by maintaining its facilities. ■ Develop the sense of belongingness to the educational institution by protecting its facilities. ■ Develop the conscience such that the students abhor the act of sabotage. ■ Apply the response-cost method, such that the students bear the cost for repairing the properties Statistics The latest educational statistics indicate that the number of property damage cases increased significantly over the past two years — 1,395 in 2015/2016 which increased to 1,706 in 2016 /2017. Statistics showed that the last school year witnessed 848 cases of property damage by male students in various educational stages, while 858 cases were committed by female students. Appropriate ways to cope with the phenomenon Social and psychological experts have recommended ways to cope with this phenomenon as follows: ■ Training and encouraging students to express their opinions within the framework of responsible freedom. ■ Suggest ways of expressing opinions by putting them in the proposals box. ■ Develop the sense of loyalty and belongingness to the homeland by maintaining its facilities. ■ Develop the sense of belongingness to the educational institution by protecting its facilities. ■ Develop the conscience such that the students abhor the act of sabotage. ■ Apply the response-cost method, such that the students bear the cost for repairing the properties