Modern-Day Schools vs. Schools of the Past: A Reflection on Discipline, Morals, and Responsibility

There is no doubt that modern-day schools are far different from what we had in the past. In those days, schools were seen as sacred places where discipline, respect, and strong moral values were taught alongside academic subjects. Teachers were held in high regard, almost like second parents. Students feared them, not out of terror, but out of deep respect. A teacher’s words carried weight, and even parents would support the school’s decision when it came to discipline.

But what do we see today? The reverse is the case. Parents now dictate how their children should be treated in school, often at the expense of the school’s rules and regulations. Teachers are no longer allowed to correct students firmly without facing backlash. In some cases, parents storm schools to attack teachers for simply disciplining their children. This weakens the authority of teachers and emboldens children to misbehave.

In many schools today, students not only bully their fellow classmates or juniors, but they even bully their teachers. This was unheard of in the past. Back then, students sat up straight in class, greeted their teachers with respect, and dared not misbehave in their presence. Any act of stubbornness or disrespect was quickly corrected, both at school and at home. There was unity between the school and the home in shaping the child.

Unfortunately, the moral values that once formed the foundation of education have been neglected. Many students today lack perseverance. They want quick results without putting in the work. They want success without effort. This sense of entitlement is growing, not just among students, but in the society at large.

One major cause of this problem is the breakdown of the family unit. Many children come from broken homes, where love, guidance, and discipline are missing. They are left to raise themselves or depend on social media and peer pressure to form their opinions. Another cause is the loss of community responsibility. There’s a popular saying in my locality that goes: "Four eyes give birth to a child, but two hundred eyes raise the child." This means that while the parents may give birth to a child, the entire community shares the responsibility of raising that child well. Sadly, that communal bond is disappearing. Now, people mind their business and avoid correcting other people’s children for fear of trouble.

Modern education also seems to focus too much on fun and entertainment while neglecting discipline, patience, and character-building. While it is good for children to enjoy learning, the balance must not be lost. True growth happens when a child learns how to face challenges, delay gratification, and stay focused despite distractions.

It is time for schools, parents, and society to work together again to raise a generation of disciplined, respectful, and responsible young people. If we fail to do this, we risk raising children who may be educated but lack the character to succeed in life.