It’s a video we wish we never had to see: one student punching a teacher. Shocking and heartbreaking not just because of the act itself, but because these are children.
In today’s fast-paced, high-pressure society, the developmental journey of a child has become more complex than ever. We often hear concerns about children struggling with discipline, emotional regulation, academic pressure, and even basic values. This raises an important question: Who holds the greater responsibility in shaping a child’s growth and more importantly, who might not be contributing enough teachers or parents?
When it comes to shaping a child’s development, both parents and teachers play vital, yet different roles. While educators often go the extra mile to support students, it's important to remember that a child's growth is also deeply rooted in the guidance and environment they receive at home.
Speaking about the role of parents, who play a major role in their children live. A child’s development begins at home which long before they step into a classroom. Parents are the first teachers, and often, the most influential ones. The emotional environment, the conversations children are exposed to, and even how parents handle stress, or disagreement leaves a lasting imprint.
However, today’s parenting is evolving. Some parents, to give their children everything they never had, may unintentionally take away what truly matters: boundaries, accountability, and resilience. On the flip side, others may be too busy with juggling careers, personal struggles, or digital distractions and become emotionally distant from their children’s inner worlds.
We often ask what’s wrong with children today. But maybe the better question is: What have we, as adults, stopped doing right? Are we modeling respect, empathy, discipline, and self-awareness in our own behaviour? Are we present emotionally, not just physically in our children's lives?
So, who’s not contributing enough?
It depends. In some homes, parents are deeply engaged while schools may lack the structure or support. In others, passionate teachers fill in gaps left by absentee or overly permissive parenting. But in most cases, the cracks in a child’s development come from a collective failure to connect, listen, and show up consistently.
What can we do?
Parents: Be present. Talk to your children not just about school, but about life. Set limits with love. Be the example.
Teachers: Understand that every child carries a story from home. Stay empathetic, even when it’s hard.
Society: Stop treating children as problems to fix. Instead, start treating them as reflections of how well we are nurturing our future.
Let’s not turn this into a tug-of-war. Neither role can fully replace the other, it’s the collaboration between that truly makes a difference.
With that we are all set to have debate about this topic in Achamillai Achamillai show that will be premiering on Aug 2, exclusively on Astro Vinmeen (Ch 202). Also available on Astro GO, On Demand, and sooka, this show is set to spark real conversations that matter to Malaysians.
Image Credit : Wiki Impact