Parents' roles in curbing hoodlums / hoodlumism in schools, by OluBunmi ODEWUMI

Parents’ roles in curbing hoodlums / hoodlumism in schools, by OluBunmi ODEWUMI

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INTRODUCTION –

The issue of hoodlums and hoodlumism in our schools has become a serious threat to quality education, discipline and the safety of students and teachers. Hoodlumism, which manifests as cultism, bullying, fighting, vandalism, truancy, drug abuse, intimidation and other forms of anti-social behaviour, does not start in school; it is often nurtured from home and the larger society. While teachers and old students have been assigned their responsibilities in curbing this menace, the role of parents cannot be over-emphasized, because parents are the first teachers and the primary agents of socialization. Every child is a reflection of his home training. A child who is not well monitored at home becomes a tool for disruption in school. In many cases, some parents unknowingly encourage hoodlumism by defending their children even when they are wrong, by failing to monitor their movement, friends and use of social media, or by exposing them to domestic violence. For any intervention to curb hoodlums in schools to succeed, parents must be actively involved as partners with the school authority. The school alone cannot do it. When parents, teachers, old students and the community work together, it becomes easy to identify at-risk students early, instill moral values, and create a safe and disciplined learning environment where every student can achieve his or her full potential.

31 GOOD ROLES OF PARENTS IN CURBING HOODLUMISM IN SCHOOLS

HOME TRAINING AND MORAL UPBRINGING

Inculcate good moral values, respect for elders and constituted authority in their children from an early age.
Teach their children the fear of God and the difference between good and bad behaviour.
Be good role models at home; children copy what parents do, not just what they say.
Avoid domestic violence and use of abusive language in the presence of children.
Ensure children are well-mannered and disciplined before they are sent to school.

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MONITORING AND SUPERVISION
Monitor the movement of their children – know when they leave home and when they return from school.
Know the type of friends their children keep both in school and at home.
Check their children’s school bags, notes and belongings regularly for dangerous weapons, drugs or cultist materials.
Monitor their children’s use of mobile phones, social media, internet and television content.
Monitor their children’s mode of dressing to school to discourage indecent dressing that attracts hoodlums.
Ensure their children do not stay out late at night or attend unguided parties.

COLLABORATION WITH THE SCHOOL

Attend PTA meetings regularly and participate actively in school security decisions.
Respond promptly to invitations from the school authority whenever their child misbehaves.
Do not defend their children blindly when they commit offences; allow the school to discipline them.
Provide correct information about their children’s character and health challenges to the school counsellor.
Support school rules and regulations at home and encourage their children to obey them.
Volunteer as parent patrol during inter-house sports, school events and examination periods.

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COMMUNICATION AND COUNSELLING

Create time to listen and discuss with their children about happenings in school daily.
Encourage their children to report any form of bullying or threat from hoodlums without fear.
Counsel their children against joining bad gangs, cult groups, drug abuse and truancy.
Build their children’s self-esteem so they will not be easily influenced by hoodlums.
Teach their children peaceful conflict resolution instead of fighting.

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PROVISION AND SUPPORT

Provide all necessary school materials to prevent their children from stealing or begging.
Provide adequate pocket money but not excessive money that can be used to fund hoodlum activities.
Engage their children in useful activities at home after school to avoid idleness.

COMMUNITY AND SECURITY ROLES

Report any suspected hoodlum or cultist hideouts around the school to the appropriate authority.
Cooperate with vigilante groups and security agencies to secure the school environment.
Form parents’ WhatsApp forum to share quick information about security threats in the school.
Do not harbor or shield any student who is known to be a hoodlum, even if he is their relative.
Support the school financially and morally in building perimeter fencing, gates and security lights.
Pray for and encourage their children consistently to be ambassadors of peace and good character in school and society.

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