PROMOTION OF GOOD PARENTING AND GOOD BEHAVIOUR OF SCHOOL CHILDREN

Dr Lily Neo asked the Minister for Education if his Ministry will actively promote (a) courtesy, respect and general good behaviour in primary school children as these values may be lacking, especially in some families where both parents are working; and (b) good parenting through schools and mass media campaigns to inculcate right values and good social behaviour in our children.

RAdm Teo Chee Hean: Schools consider the inculcation of moral values in our young an important role. Primary schools actively promote courtesy, respect, and general good behaviour through the Civics and Moral Education Programme, which is an integral part of the primary school curriculum. This is reinforced by talks by the Principal during the weekly school assembly, and guidance from teachers. Pupils also get to learn about good behaviour and desirable values through stories they read during their English and Mother Tongue Language periods.

Many primary schools organise activities to encourage good behaviour. One such activity is the selection of the most courteous or best-behaved pupil in each level or class on a termly basis. Pupils also imbibe desirable values through participation in sports and games, as well as other extra-curricular activities.

Every school also has in place a set of school rules to guide pupils. Pupils who infringe school rules are counselled. When necessary, parents are also brought in to work with the school to help these pupils improve their behaviour.

To successfully educate a child, parents play a crucial role. Whatever is taught in school has to be reinforced at home. In fact, good attitude and behaviour begin at home. There is a limit to what schools can do. Most schools do organise meetings with parents every semester. These are carried out mostly by levels. During these meetings, school expectations with regard to pupil behaviour are communicated. Sometimes, guest speakers are invited to speak on parenting.

Because parents are the most immediate and closest adult figures, they exert a powerful impact on the lives of their children. Teachers may vary from year to year, but parents remain the constant adult figures in the lives of their children. And they must continue to be so. No one else can substitute for the role played by parents because of the closeness between parent and child. It is therefore vital that parents spend time communicating with their children, supervising and guiding them.