Recently I was invited to give inputs for a Counselling Brainstorming Session. Having headed the Counselling Cell in our Educational Institute, I was surprised by the flow of thoughts that sprung from the recesses of my mind. But, I’ll restrict the article to two significant issues that I highlighted that plague today’s generation.
One is addiction to the electronic gadgets, which by itself maybe lesser of an evil as to when one realises there is a deeper problem rooted in the use of the gadget. Rather than use, it is the abuse, misuse of the same that triggers the problem.
In this regard, one of the major concerns encountered by our youth is addiction to ‘Pornography’. An NGO, who has done a study in Goa and made a presentation in our organization, spoke of this addiction and how it is ruining the young impressionable minds.
Children as young as 10 and 12 who have access to mobile, laptops and internet connectivity are exposed to this evil at a very tender age. What is even more disturbing is many a time parents and elders are unaware as to what their kids are indulging in.
The youth on the other hand do not know how to deal with the dilemma they have accidentally or otherwise encountered or how to get out of the predicament. Well, this dilemma is not restricted to boys alone. There is equally a large number of girls if not more who are addicted to watching such sexual exploits, violence and abuse.
The other issue is the ‘Intimate Relation’, read Sexual Relation that kids indulge in. With changing times, it is no longer a taboo nor a social prohibition for two young bodies, (I’m intentionally using the term bodies here) to explore themselves and get to know each other at the physical plane. Getting to know the person per se has become passé. The disturbing direct is the undue stress on the ‘physique’ be it in terms of vital statistics, be it in terms of having sexual exploits, etc. Unfortunately, such false notions and attempts to be ‘cool’ many time ends up in untold emotional and psychological trauma. Another interesting development I’ve noticed is that kids are open about their sexual orientation, and I have had cases where youngsters sought help to deal with ‘homosexuality’. A closeted issue of the past is appreciatively and relatively expressed in the open today.
As parents, elders, what we can do is keep a conscious eye not necessarily a prying eye on what the kids are into. Sex education is good but by itself it may not be good enough, it must be clubbed with value education. Seriously, we don’t need hours and hours of thrusting of factual matter down their throats. Everything is available at the click of a mouse. We need to stress on a more humane and compassionate way of educating our future generation. Holistic education is not restricted to schools alone but in homes, neighbourhoods and entire village. We need to be more considerate and caring especially of the growing up youth who are at a threshold of transition from childhood to adulthood. All they need is a patient ear, a helping hand and a heart that beats for their woes.
