10/06/2026
Exactly what parents need to know.
Thank you Cornerstone Treatment & Rehabilitation Center for this.
Before We Blame Students, Let's Ask the Hard Questions
Every time a school unrest incident occurs, public debate quickly follows. Students are blamed for indiscipline, teachers are accused of negligence, school administrations are questioned, and government policies come under scrutiny. While accountability is important, it is equally important that we take time to examine the deeper issues that may be contributing to the situation.
The reality is that not every case of school unrest is simply a discipline problem. In many instances, there are underlying factors that deserve attention and honest discussion.
1. Mental health challenges among learners are becoming increasingly common
Many students today are struggling with anxiety, depression, emotional distress, trauma, low self esteem, and feelings of hopelessness. Unfortunately, these challenges often go unnoticed until they manifest through behavioural problems, poor academic performance, withdrawal, aggression, or conflict with authority.
2. Drug and substance abuse continues to affect young people
The influence of drugs and other substances within and outside school environments cannot be ignored. Substance abuse affects judgment, emotional control, decision making, and behaviour. What may appear to be defiance or rebellion can sometimes be linked to a much deeper struggle that requires intervention and support.
3. Peer pressure and social influences have become more powerful than ever before
Students are constantly exposed to influences from friends, social media platforms, online trends, and digital communities. Without proper guidance, some young people find themselves making harmful decisions in an effort to fit in or gain acceptance.
4. Communication gaps between adults and learners continue to widen
Many students feel unheard. Some are afraid to express their concerns to parents, teachers, or guardians. Others believe that speaking up will only result in punishment rather than understanding. When communication breaks down, frustration often finds unhealthy ways of expressing itself.
5. Parental role modelling plays a critical but often overlooked role
Parents are not only caregivers but also the first and most influential role models in a child’s life. In some situations, children are introduced to harmful behaviours not by strangers, but through environments within the home. When a parent normalises substance use, aggressive behaviour, disrespect, or reckless decision making, children often absorb and replicate these patterns. On the other hand, when parents consistently demonstrate discipline, emotional control, responsibility, and respect, they set a strong foundation that shapes how children respond to pressure and authority. True guidance requires alignment between what is taught and what is lived at home.
As parents, the period when learners are sent home following unrest should not become a season of anger, threats, insults, or humiliation. While discipline remains necessary, parents should also view this time as an opportunity to reconnect with their children and better understand what they may be going through.
Parents can help by:
1. Creating a safe environment for honest conversations without fear or intimidation
2. Listening more than they speak and allowing children to express their thoughts and concerns openly
3. Observing changes in behaviour, sleeping patterns, friendships, moods, appetite, and academic performance
4. Having open discussions about drugs, alcohol, peer pressure, online influences, and responsible decision making
5. Seeking professional guidance whenever signs of emotional distress, substance abuse, or mental health concerns become apparent
At the same time, parents should avoid:
1. Making conclusions before understanding the full situation
2. Comparing their children with others in a manner that damages confidence and self worth
3. Using humiliation, insults, or excessive punishment as the primary response
4. Ignoring warning signs that may indicate emotional, psychological, or behavioural struggles
School unrest is rarely caused by a single factor. It is often the result of multiple issues that intersect within schools, homes, communities, and society at large. Addressing the challenge therefore requires more than punishment. It requires understanding, prevention, guidance, support, and collaboration among parents, teachers, school leaders, counsellors, faith leaders, and policymakers.
As we discuss the latest incidents of school unrest, perhaps the most important question is not who to blame, but what we can do collectively to raise a generation that is emotionally healthy, mentally resilient, responsible, and equipped to navigate the challenges of modern life.
