THE EDITOR, Sir:

We adults have failed our youths miserably.

Almost every day we see our schoolers on our TV sets demonstrating, hurling insults, throwing stones, etc. These students represent the entire spectrum from basic school to tertiary institution.

What is alarming is that while the children are behaving disgracefully, standing beside them are adults (some of whom are parents) who aid and abet these youngsters.

What example?

The question is: Where is the example that ought to be set by parents who should know better, or is it that these adults do not know better? How can a responsible adult stand by and witness children throwing stones at a police officer and a school principal and do nothing about it?

In the space of one week, my two children - one attends a tertiary institution and the other a high school, both in the Cross Roads area - fell victim to young criminals who relieved them of a laptop computer and cash, respectively. Both acts of thievery occurred on the respective campuses.

The question I would ask again is: When parents sees their children parading with a cellular phone or a laptop computer that they have no knowledge about, do they question the source of these stolen items?

The truth is some of the parents are just as guilty and cannot reprimand them because they, too, are involved in acts of dishonesty and so the children ask: How come?

Losing our children

We are losing our children rapidly, primarily because adults (parents) have failed to provide proper guidance and direction. I shudder just to imagine what Jamaica will be like 10 to 20 years from now when these misguided youngsters become the men and women who will be leading our nation.

It seems we need to go back to basics where respect is not just a greeting word, but an action we demonstrate to each and everyone regardless of age or status.

I urge the Government to revitalise the values and attitudes campaign with dispatch as the future of Jamaica is dependent on the fortification of the social fabric.

I am, etc.,

WAYNE POWELL

crisscounsellor@yahoo.com