10 Steps to Building a Conscious Generation of Youth
No doubt, raising a generation of youth in
any society has become a perplexing matter, especially with the diversification
and expansion of social media platforms and modern technologies. These tools
have become heavy partners weighing down on the role of families and
educational institutions in guiding the new generations.
Al-Mujtama reached out to several experts who identified
fundamental principles common across societies. Instilling these values in
children, they say, is akin to giving them a societal vaccine that will stay
with them throughout life’s challenges and their development over time.
Raising by Example
Dr. Shadia Ahmed, Professor of Sociology at
the Faculty of Arts, Sohag University, affirmed to Al-Mujtama that the
most important factor in raising a distinguished and future-proof generation of
youth is raising by example, as it is the real safeguard for the younger
generation. When we ask children to stop browsing social media or to minimize
internet and AI use, while we ourselves are immersed in it, we are essentially
asking the impossible.
She stressed that raising by example is the
true measure that disciplines a child from within, as they live in an
environment consistent with itself. Advice, then, becomes meaningful rather
than an imposed command.
She further explained that applying what is
known as the "embracing phenomenon" with children is extremely
important. Parents must emotionally embrace their children, listen to them
attentively, and not disregard their opinions. Listening, she stressed, is a
crucial skill in parenting that should be cultivated to prevent a communication
gap between children and their caregivers—especially parents.
Moreover, parents must come down to the
level of their children, and when correcting their mistakes, they should show
that they themselves are not infallible. Parents should acknowledge they too
have made similar mistakes in the past, accepted advice, and changed their
behavior accordingly.
One common parental failure is the
reluctance to admit their mistakes in front of their children—even when the
child knows full well that the parent is in the wrong. For example, if a parent
scolds or humiliates the child in front of peers, apologizing for such behavior
fosters closeness and trust. It reassures the child that their parents are a
true source of emotional safety.
Another key factor in raising conscious and
serious youth is monitoring their friends and evaluating their
intellectual and educational competence. Just as competence is vital in
choosing a spouse to ensure a stable family, it is equally essential in all
life domains—especially in the process of upbringing and shaping future
generations.
Economic Stability
Dr. Shadia also emphasized the need to
understand the obstacles hindering the development of a pioneering youth
generation. Chief among these, she argues, are economic conditions,
which she describes as the first and last barrier. Without economic stability
within families and institutions, no stable or effective educational upbringing
is possible.
Based on her observations of negative
societal phenomena, she asserts that all behavioral crimes and deviations—among
both young and old—stem from this one factor: economic hardship. Its absence
leads to social instability and the emergence of deviant behaviors that now
deeply trouble families and institutions alike.
Mental Health
Dr. Sahar Hashem Ezz El-Din, Professor of
Sociology at the Faculty of Arts, Sohag University, highlighted the importance
of investing in youth through various means, chief among them: economic
empowerment and providing job opportunities by equipping young
people with skills and knowledge to help them enter the job market and
understand entrepreneurship.
She stressed the importance of capacity
building, skill development, and access to quality education—which
should be aligned with market needs.
In her view, theoretical college
programs are no longer relevant to job markets. Therefore, youth must be
trained in tools and skills that match labor market requirements to help secure
future job opportunities.
She also emphasized the need to provide health
and well-being, especially mental health, as psychological exertion
is heavier than physical effort.
She noted that addressing youth mental
health should not be about diagnosing illness, but rather about preventive
care—protecting young people from developing mental disorders.
Dr. Sahar also pointed to the importance of
instilling digital patriotism in youth: a sense of awareness about the
content they consume and share on social media. Despite the overwhelming nature
of these platforms, young people must take pride in their identity and
community values.
Practical Steps
To raise a conscious youth generation, Dr.
Adel Abdul-Mu’ti, Head of the Psychology Department at the Faculty of
Education, Al-Azhar University, proposed several practical steps for families
to follow:
1.
Cultivate the value of positive
role models among parents and those in the child’s environment.
2. Listen to them and resolve their problems promptly.
Allocate quality time to talk and consult with them.
3. Avoid physical or verbal punishment.
4. Involve youth in decision-making and help them solve
the challenges they face.
5. Develop their emotional side through kind, encouraging
words and instill noble motivations in them.
6. Avoid comparing them to other youth, as each
individual has their own circumstances.
7. Beware of excessive pampering and granting every
request.
8. Refrain from being overly strict or embarrassing
them—especially in front of peers.
9. Protect them culturally, religiously, educationally,
and intellectually.
10.
Keep an eye on their
friends and monitor their behavior discreetly.
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