Daily Lessons from Life 17 November 2010 - More parents receive warning letters

More parents receive warning letters - Wednesday 17 November the newpapers

"In 2006, the police started the Youths Hanging Out Late (YHOL) initiative, aimed at those under 17.

The police target those seen in the company of questionable characters, involved in wayward activities or loitering in public places after 11pm. The YHOL programme seeks to keep parents informed via letters if police officers come across such youths. Not all parents of those checked by the police are sent the letter.

Special attention is paid to youths who loiter late at night alone or in groups in public areas and deserted or crime-prone areas, as well as to youngsters in the company of adults other than their families or guardians.

Last year, police issued 6,000 warning letters, more than double the 2,400 letters sent out in 2008. Between January and June this year, more than 3,000 letters were sent out.

Counsellors told The New Paper they see a trend of youths staying out more and hanging out later."

This is an issue that needs to be tackled continuously and requiring more efforts as can be seen from the increasing instances of youth getting into troubles with the laws in Singapore. Of course, it has to do with the recent 2 violent crimes involving youth with one fatality.

In fact the Ministry of Home Affairs are contemplating about the need to introducing new laws to curb this unwelcome growth.

Lessons for me are:

1. it has to be a problem solving approach. There is absolutely a need to know why are they out late? what are the top 3 reasons? Parents not knowing how to bring up their kids or parents' favoured finger pointing excuse of: 'We are too busy making a living to support the family'? Parents are not qualified to be parents? etc;

2. while youth will be youth, it is critical to learn them know in uncertain terms that the laws are impartial to criminals of all ages, races, and religious affiliation! Yes. No mercy will be shown if you made the mistake of carrying weapons and hurting or killing people whether you are 16 or 61!! This method is a bit backward as it is 'after the crime' and not preventive. However, when the youth learned about from precedences of how some of them had thrown their young life away with indiscretion or impulsiveness that they cannot use that as an excuse. That may set them thinking harder!;

3. youth cannot among to much if there is no 'elders' or adults goading and misguiding them into violence and criminal gang activities. So, these 'elders' or adults MUST be punished with no mercy as well if they were found to be responsible for the errant youth.

Youth are energetic and have the capacity to learn and think. So, with multiple channels of communication to reach them as well as setting them to ponder the potential life-changing consequence if they misbehaved or being misguided, they may make better decision for themselves.