JSS3: English Comprehension Exercise – Indiscipline Among Youths | Week 7

     Acts of indiscipline seem to have become normal phenomena in our everyday lives. For some people, an act of indiscipline is a sign of modernity, fashion, or masculinity. Indiscipline among youths does not reflect only in their ways of dressing but also their attitude towards life and in ways of doing things. The dictionary defines indiscipline as the lack of control and obedience and deviation from acceptable patterns of behavior.

     Though technology and modernity can be termed as the main determinants of development in a country, discipline also counts. It must be put into consideration that it only takes discipline to rise to the height of civilization. Who could have thought that Egypt, in Africa, could be the first nation in the world to attain a level of civilization? Looking back at the history of Egypt, one can say emphatically that it takes discipline to build the massive pyramids that are now generating incomes for the country through tourism.

     The reason for the acts of indiscipline among youths cannot be attributed solely to the individual is raised. Though from a tender age one is influenced by societyThe term society is derived from the Latin word ‘socius’ meaning friendship or companionship. Society is a community, nation or group of people who share the same traditions, institutions, rules and… More and the environment, parental responsibility is the major influence in one’s life, given the fact that parents have the major responsibility of nurturing the child. This is so because, to the child, the guardian or parents are the only people to be trusted. ‘Train a child in a way he should grow and when he is old, he will never depart from it’, goes a verse from the Holy Scripture.

     Acts of discipline begin from our various homes. If a child is not taught how to show discipline, the possibility of the child living a life of indiscipline is very high. It is very easy for a child to copy blindly, attitudes from parents or guardians, especially when those attitudes exceptionally go against the normsA norm is a rule, standard, or pattern for action. Social norm refers to shared standards of acceptable behaviour by a group of people. The norms in any society are based… More and values of the society.

     Though charity begins at home, the tendency for a child to stray from the path of a disciplined life is faster in terms of peer pressure influence. Peer pressure, so far, has been a fast generator of bad habits. A well-behaved person would love to make it a point to adhere to all rules and regulations of the community, but for peer group influence he or she may decide to go against them.

     Indiscipline among youths results in social evils. Youths learn drug abuse from their unruly street mates leading to robbery and other violent crimes. Drug abuse disorganizes the mind of youths and emboldens them to commit crimes such as rape and rebellion. Peer group influence also pushes some youths to join secret cults.