Upbringing

The news that shocked us last Monday was heartbreaking. Two minors were involved in a shooting incident that claimed at least three lives and left several others injured. Many theories have since surfaced regarding why they resorted to such violence. Even their alleged conversation about how they planned the entire incident made its way online, puzzling many child psychology experts while self-proclaimed experts also joined the discussion. There is really a lot to unpack after what happened.

One theory that emerged pointed to the constant playing of the mobile game Gorebox, which heavily features violent content. There are now moves to ban the game, as well as to strictly enforce the minimum age for using social media. While we welcome these developments because they seem ideal, we may be forgetting one core element that could have led to the incident: their upbringing. Growing up, we were always taught that parents play a significant role in shaping who we become. As it turns out, there is truth to that.

Regardless of how strict the guidelines on social media use and digital platforms become, children's ability to access them will always depend largely on their parents. If a parent does not closely monitor a child, reaching explicit or disturbing content can happen in a matter of seconds. The real question, then, is who watches over them and how that responsibility is carried out. Now is the time to rethink what it means to be an absent parent. A screen or any other digital device can never substitute for the guidance that only a real human being can provide.

The issue has instilled fear in my generation. I particularly fear the day when I will have my own child. There are now doubts about the effectiveness of school security and how far educational institutions should go to ensure that innocent lives are protected. No student deserves to die at the hands of someone carrying an illegal firearm or become a victim of a senseless shooting. Schools can strengthen their policies, governments can impose stricter regulations, and technology companies can tighten age restrictions. Perhaps parents can take this opportunity to rethink and reassess how raising a child should be done in today's world. At least from what I remember, we were watched like hawks by our parents, often forced to live up to their standards.

The scope of this issue is far too wide to discuss. There is also the question of how the minors gained access to a firearm and why it was so easily within their reach. It also raises concerns about the responsible ownership and handling of firearms by those granted the privilege of carrying them. This tragedy exposes many gaps in our system, both in government and in the most basic unit of society --the family. I hope this becomes more than just another lesson learned by different sectors. More importantly, I hope it becomes an eye-opener to how we are raising the next generation before another tragedy forces us to ask the same questions all over again.