THIS is with reference to the report ‘Teenage cousin held for murdering minor boy’ (Feb 17). The unsettling incident recently unfolded in Karachi, prompting deep reflection and introspection among the people. The tragic death of an eight-year-old boy at the hands of his 15-year-old cousin forced a lot of people to worry about the social fabric at large.

In his confession, the perpetrator expressed remorse for killing his ‘complaining’ cousin in anger. The tragic incident makes one wonder on whom the blame should be slapped. Should we blame the teenager, or society at large for failing to instil the values of tolerance and conflict resolution in our youth?

Society seems to have normalised intolerance, with little emphasis on the importance of accepting mutual differences.

We live in a world where violence in media, movies and dramas is not only prevalent, but also glorified. Video games and online content often depict graphic violence, desensitising the children, which, in turn, leads to such tragic events.

We must acknowledge our collective failure. We have failed to teach our children the importance of tolerance and peaceful conflict resolution. Instead, we have allowed them to be exposed to a culture of violence and aggression, perpetuated by the media content they consume and the games they play.

It is a wakeup call for parents to engage with their children, understand their thoughts and emotions, and monitor the content they consume electronically. We must teach and encourage our children to communicate effectively, to resolve conflicts through dialogue, and to reject violence as a solution to any kind of conflict.

It cannot be denied that our children are a product of the environment we create for them. Let us strive to create an environment that is able to nurture empathy, understanding and peaceful coexistence.

It is not too late to make a change, but we must act decisively and collectively to ensure a safer and more harmonious future for our children and for the nation.

Malik Hassaan
Karachi

Published in Dawn, March 25th, 2024