Moral Decadence in Schools

 

Moral decadence is an issue that is fast bedeviling our contemporary society. In the past, there were no such issues as outrageous, indecent dressing and behaviour as witnessed today. When moral uprightness is lacking, there is always moral decadence. 

 WHAT HAS CHANGED?

 Obviously, deviation from moral etiquette is solely responsible for moral decadence in our society. This unethical practice usually starts from home and spreads across the larger society when aided and abated. 

 It is quite an established fact that such practices as indecent conduct always go wild and get out of the control of parents and guardians. Once this becomes inveterate, those who exhibit such behaviour also become incorrigible, hence they get out of control and become more exposed to corruption.

 DANGERS ASSOCIATED WITH MORAL DECADENCE 

 Apparently, there is nothing beneficial about moral decadence. A decaying society is one that is bereft of moral values. When a society fails to uphold such values, there is bound to be pervasive moral decay - degradation, incivility and other abhorrent ways of behaviour. 

At advanced level, many female children become so vulnerable to sexual exploitation, while in some cases, there are issues related to unwanted pregnancy. In many schools today, teenage pregnancy has become a song for the birds. 

 Because some of these children have become incorrigible so much that both their parents and school teachers have little or no control over them, owing to exceedingly high level of depravity, debauchery has become a lifestyle. All these are dangers associated with moral decadence.

Ironically, some parents often give their children the morale to indulge in such abhorrent behaviour as sexual misconduct. Isn't it shocking to see a parent encouraging his or her daughter to live the life of a working girl, all in a bid to make money?

 More disturbing, some utterances are debilitating and should be avoided. Because, rather than discourage children who may be inclined to putting up sexual misbehaviour, they boost their sexual urge. Some children, as little as they may appear, often do certain things largely on account of depression, desperation, frustration and others - influence caused by their parents and guardians. For instance, a mother who keeps telling her daughter that, "Your age mates are out there making money, what do you do?" What do you think will become of such a sexually ignorant girl when she gets exposed and mingles with wayward girls who keep sexual partners that give them money?

HOW DO WE UPHOLD MORAL UPRIGHTNESS IN SCHOOLS?

 The best way we can uphold moral uprightness in schools is by inculcating students with moral values. This can best be done through sex education. The book, 'Sex Education: The Rights and the Wrongs' provides a comprehensive guide.

 Teaching children sex education the most appropriate way, which is aimed at creating awareness and recommending healthy sexual practices, will help them stand above matters of sex. Sexual misconduct contributes a greater percentage of moral decadence in children. Therefore, teaching them effective sex education is key to upholding moral uprightness, in school and at home.

Sadly, just like some parents do at home, some schools also take umbrage at the word 'Sex.' They find the use of this word so offensive even when used in the most appropriate manner. Some feel that this sort of education will only induce, encourage and boost a child's sexual urge. For this reason, they derogate from their responsibility of teaching their students sex education.

 There is need for change of attitude to sex education, both on the part of parents and teachers, so children can uphold moral uprightness. This way we will be eradicating moral decadence in our schools, homes and the larger society.