LETTERS: We should be concerned about recent viral photos and videos depicting children and teachers using toy firearms as props during the Solidarity With Palestine Week.
The aim of the programme is good as it was meant to educate and create awareness among children about history and human rights, as well as the suffering of the Palestinians.
However, it should not have gone to the extent of using toy firearms as props. Even if they were fake, they could affect the children's minds and emotions.
Why conduct the programme in such a way?
It would be better to ask the schoolchildren to write essays on the history of Palestine and the people's struggle for an independent state.
The children can also read poetry on Palestinian aspirations, and engage in discussions pertaining to the Palestinian and Israeli issues.
An additional concern here is the impact of lowering the voting age from 21 to 18 years two years ago, as it could expose underage children to political influence, campaigns, and indoctrination by irresponsible politicians and parties.
The level of understanding of politics among children is different from that of adults, who have a certain level of maturity and political experience.
It is wise for Malaysia to have enacted the Child Act 2001 (Act 611) to fulfil its obligations under the Convention on the Rights of the Child 1989 (CRC) to protect the welfare of children below 18. The act not only underlines the duties and responsibilities of a parent or guardian towards their children, but also imposes a heavier penalty and punishment against them.
However, it does not mention the risks or impacts of exposure to negative political campaigns and indoctrination.
In this regard, the government should consider amending the act by including new provisions to better protect young children.
And if amending the act is not sufficient, the government may create specific legislations to prevent attempts to manipulate children's minds and emotions.
DR MUZAFFAR SYAH MALLOW
Associate professor, Faculty of Syariah and Law, Universiti Sains Islam Malaysia
The views expressed in this article are the author's own and do not necessarily reflect those of the New Straits Times
