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Excerpts from the Report presented at the 100th prize giving of St. Joseph's College, Colombo, on 21st February by the Rector of the College, Rev. Fr. Victor Silva.

The children and youth of today are growing up in a world which is very different from the world in which their parents and other adults grew up in. Television, movies, other forms of electronic media and tourism and other influences from the developed world have effected changes in the lifestyle of our youth.

It is unfortunate that these changes have, to some extent, led to the degeneration of old, traditional values, leading to a "values crisis" in our country.

The time has now come for us to seriously consider the fact that not only schoolchildren, but society as a whole must pay attention to this vital issue of discipline.

The teaching community - parents, teachers, spiritual leaders and elders in society, should combine efforts to successfully combat the erosion of ethical values and arrest the decline of discipline arising from the mis-use and abuse of technological advances by the unfettered use of drugs, the increasing incidents of social diseases including pornography, the scourge of AIDS, robbery, crime and violence.

We see around us a breakdown in law and order and a deplorable lack of discipline, particularly in state-owned institutions. In the recent past, we have also seen a complete lack of decorum and refined, statesman - like behaviour in the very precincts of parliament, that once-hallowed institutions where the laws of the land are discussed and promulgated.

It is heartening, therefore, to learn that the priority of the new Prime Minister is the need for instilling discipline in all walks of life and the introduction of measures to enforce strict discipline among his party members. This augurs well for our country and we hope that the Hon. Speaker and the Leader of the Opposition will also co-operate to restore disciplined conduct in Parliament, for those who govern and those who hold positions of responsibility in society should above all else, be examples to those they lead.

The importance of discipline cannot be over-emphasised as a way of life, bringing about self-control, self-discipline and conformity to laws, rules and regulations. Any society can function smoothly and vibrantly only with these basic pre-requisites to maintaining general law and order in every field of human endeavour and facilitate the development of our country. This arduous task must begin in the home, schools and continue in other educational institutions.

In the home, a child's parents must fulfil their role as teacher and guide, for in infancy and early childhood, the behaviour and conduct of the parents influence their children, who blindly imitate them.

To inculcate discipline in the student, it must the acknowledged by those charged with such responsibilities in education, that discipline and learning are inter-related and complement each other.

It is in this respect that the old adage, that example is far better than precept, holds true, for exemplary standards of discipline must be manifested in the day-to-day conduct and behaviour of all levels of the school's administration and staff.

Laxity in imparting discipline in the formative years, both at home and in school, can lead to spoilt, delinquent, uncaring young adults, unable to make positive decisions. This lack of proper training acquires greater significance more especially during the teenage year when such individuals succumb to negative peer pressure when group decisions are influenced by the "leader" who wields power, authority and financial control.

It is reported that the first cigarette or first alcoholic drink is experienced among peers at gatherings such as birthday parties, batch outings after public examinations or even during the big matches.

This peer pressure is clearly seen and felt in schools at playgrounds during matches, at amusement parks, parties, musical shows, etc. It is indeed sad that very often, children from respected and cultured families are led along the wrong path by companions who indulge in various vices and immoral behaviour.

A young mind is open and curious, the ideal breeding ground for sowing the seeds of dissension and immorality by cunning and vile "friends". Such young people easily fall prey to the various vices such as smoking, alcoholism, drugs, pomography, leading to their eventual ruin.

What is the extent of influence parents have over their children? Are they really concerned about their activities and friendships? Will they be able to arrest the influence of wrong relationships and negative peer pressure?

It is most unfortunate that some parents either do not care or do not have the time to care about what their children do at home, in school and outside these places. It should be no surprise then, if such children succumb to negative peer pressure and become "difficult" or delinquent adults.

It is an indisputable fact that the most effective influences on a young mind are the parents in the home and teachers in school. The home and the school - a child's second home, must be happy and attractive.

This can be so only when the child is trusted, appreciated and treated with respect by the parents and the teachers. At the same time their activities and behaviour have to be overseen and supervised.

Parents and school authorities with authoritarian attitudes tend to use punishment as a legitimate means of imposing discipline whilst other parents and teachers, in good faith and with good intentions of safeguarding the welfare of their charges, might rightly resort to simple punishments or establish control over them when other more lenient methods fail.

All forms of punishment must lead a child to inward reflection on his actions and their implications, resulting in enlightening self-knowledge, which can lead to self-correction and better behaviour.

Modern methods of discipline seek more to develop internal self-control rather than impose restrictions and authority through external punishments. Through these means, the child would be led to distinguish between good and bad and a clearer realisation of self-discipline.

The school must enhance the concept of family and community through collective effort and group dynamics, which will help the child to learn to live with others in an atmosphere of peace and harmony, listening to others and appreciating one another. Inculcating good values and positive attitudes and instilling discipline in children leads to a better society, with collective responsibility.

The school authorities must also devote the required efforts to inspire in the children an awareness of the impact of discipline on safeguarding the good name and image of the individual and the school, which they should learn to value highly, never allowing them to be tarnished by foolish and undisciplined actions and undesirable behaviour.

Every endeavour has to be made to instill discipline in all citizens - in schools, universities, all institutions (state and private), on the roads and in public places. Of particular relevance is the reinstatement of discipline in the Police and Armed Services, as all of us work together to usher in peace, harmony and prosperity in our motherland.

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Copyright 2001 The Associated Newspapers of Ceylon Ltd.
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