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Latwell Nyangu
Youth Interactive Writer

Even the best parents in the world have a hard time raising their children in reality.

It’s brutal out there, and keeping your child sheltered from the brutality is a prime concern of the plugged-in parent.

When we are too sheltered, however, it warps our understanding of reality and, therefore, our ability to exist in it.

And that’s one of the first times the real world is forced to clash with the world our parents created for us.

Experiencing our first heartbreak or disaster, we can look at our parents in bitterness. If they don’t give you the skills to navigate negative events, then there’s a really good chance you are going to flounder.

Students are more perceptive than we give them credit for. That’s why they lose respect for their elders.

Growing up we used to be taught that young people should stand up for elders on a bus, offering the seat to the elders.

We used to also hear that when greeting the elders young people should show respect. The way we talked to the elders was supposed to be respectful.

But where has all that gone?

Remember, when a child gives respect, he creates self-respect and commands respect for himself,” says Dunn.

Youngsters who learn to respect elders achieve self-worth, hence, building self-confidence and self-esteem.

Everything we do as students will always relate to where we are coming from.

We all come from somewhere and we can’t deny where we are coming from. We are all familiar with the trope of the against teen.

Brooding, irritable, this is the person we often picture in our mind when we have discussions about elders and why our relationships with them change over time.

Fellow students, this week I bring something that has to do with respect for our elders.

I am sure I have addressed a lot of issues on this platform that hinge on our characters.

I have been exposing some of the wrong things we do and what we should do but this week allow me to take a stroll in your fields on the issue to do with respect.

We have somehow lost respect for our elders.

As usual, I write what I see and regarding respect, I have noted that most students no longer have respect for their elders.

Respect for elders has been a fundamental value in many societies, emphasising the importance of honouring and valuing the wisdom and experience of older individuals.

However, in contemporary times, there are instances where students may lose respect for their elders. The way students talk to their elders, and the way students approach their elders has changed in recent times.

This phenomenon can be attributed to various factors that influence the dynamics between different generations.

Many times, students hide behind our generation for all the wrongdoings.

It is always our defence that there is a generational gap whenever we are found wanting.

One significant reason for the loss of respect for elders among students is the widening generational gap.

However rapid advancements in technology, changes in societal norms, and evolving cultural values should not create a disconnect between older and younger generations.

This divide has led to misunderstandings, miscommunication, and a lack of mutual respect.

Because let’s be honest, for a lot of us, those shifting dynamics have been anything but pleasant.

We complain about caretakers who shut us down, shut us out, or otherwise try to dismiss, control, or demean the things that make us authentically ourselves.

For some of us, growing up and growing apart from our parents has come at the cost of the respect we should have for them.

We are realising more and more that the relationships we share with our elders aren’t always what they seem. Or what we want them to be.

By that, we come from a certain cluster that should represent our families well wherever we go.

But sadly some students don’t value where they are coming from.

They have made their backgrounds laughing stocks.

The traditional family structure has evolved, with more families becoming nuclear or single-parent households. In such settings, children may not have regular interactions with extended family members or elders, diminishing opportunities to learn from them and develop respect for their wisdom.

Despite social media shaping societal attitudes and perceptions, we should not change or lack respect for the portrayal of elders in our societies.

If elders are depicted as outdated or irrelevant, students may struggle to see them in a positive light.

Peer relationships significantly influence how students behave and interact with others. If peers exhibit disrespectful behaviour towards elders or challenge traditional values, students may emulate such conduct to fit in or rebel against perceived authority figures.

Above all, parents play a crucial role in instilling values and attitudes in their children.

If parents themselves do not demonstrate respect towards elders or prioritise other values over reverence for older individuals, children may internalize these beliefs and behaviours.

In conclusion, the loss of respect for elders among students is a complex issue influenced by various societal, cultural, and individual factors.

One of the primary reasons behind the loss of respect among students towards their elders is the communication gap between them.

With the evolution of technology and changing societal norms, the generation gap has widened.

Elders may struggle to understand young people’s interests, preferences, and values, leading to misunderstandings and conflicts.

May we find ourselves and respect our elders.

Until we meet for a toast!

For feedback: nyangu.latwell27 @

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