The recent spate of suicides by teenage boys comes as tragic news for all those who value human life.
KARACHI: The recent spate of suicides by teenage boys comes as tragic news for all those who value human life. After the suicide of a grade seven student through self-immolation, within a month we have seen other similar cases springing up. More than one student committed suicide due to the cruel behaviour of their teachers.
This horrible trend leaves a huge question mark on the way we are imparting education to our children. There seems to be a belief prevalent in our society that inculcating fear for teachers is important if one wants students to respect them and learn from them. However, the question arises that if a child feels unsafe in the presence of his teacher, how can he be expected to learn anything from them?
Teachers must teach through cooperation and by employing an understanding attitude. Not through exercising domination and handing out extreme punishments. They must try to raise the self-esteem of students. Good teachers create trust, confidence, interest, enthusiasm and hope and not fear, frustration and disappointment.
Farah Iqbal Lodhi
Published in The Express Tribune, June 2nd, 2012.
