Violent students: A loud cry for support

Two incidents of students turning their anger towards their family and teachers over the last few days should concern education stakeholders. They point to a cry for psychosocial support services at the household and school environments.

Parents and teachers in the 21st century are faced with unique challenges that require a re-evaluation of parenting and teaching methods. Traditionally, parents and teachers had monopoly of knowledge on what was right and what constituted proper behaviour. The advent of digital technology, however, changed all that. Children now have access to gadgets, exposing them to internet use and increased potential for inappropriate content. As the world grapples with the effects of Covid-19, including prolonged closure of learning institutions, many learners have had to learn how to adapt to the new living conditions.