BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN
THE government has recorded more cases of troubled children and adolescents over the past few years, the minister of culture, youth and sports said.
Citing data from the Community Development Department, Yang Berhormat Pehin Datu Lailaraja Major General (Rtd) Dato Paduka Seri Hj Awg Halbi Hj Md Yusof said there were 42 cases of “children beyond parental control” last year, compared to 38 in the preceding year.
In 2013, there were 27 “children beyond parental control cases”, and 37 in 2012.
In a previous report, “children beyond parental control” cases involved those below 18 years old who display behavioural problems in school or at home such as absenteeism and Internet addiction, among others.
Speaking during the National Family Day 2016 celebration meeting yesterday, the minister said there were also cases of abuse and neglect spread through social media, such as child abuse by parents who take drugs, neglect of children with special needs and abandoned babies.
“Even though the parties concerned have carried out their role and responsibility in bringing these offenders to court and provide protection to the children involved, it was found that reactive measures alone will not be able to curb social ills that are increasingly challenging these days,” he said.
YB Pehin Dato Hj Awg Halbi said it is timely that the National Council on Social Issues give direction on the National Family Day observance this year, which will be reviewed by focusing on family values. “Thus the celebration this year has been reviewed to ensure effectiveness and its objectives can be achieved, especially among the targeted families.
“Given the social ills arising from the national issue of weak family institutions, the responsibility in addressing issues early and immediately should be shared,” added the minister.
YB Pehin Dato Hj Awg Halbi said groups and individuals should collaborate and work together to prevent social ills.
“The National Family Day is one mechanism that can be used to reflect the involvement and commitment of all layers of society, including the private sector through its corporate social responsibility,” he continued.
The minister went on to say that activities and programmes for this year’s National Family Day needs to be strengthened by taking into account social issues and how the family institution can contribute in achieving Vision 2035.
Brunei will mark National Family Day on May 1 with the theme ‘Visionary Family’ retained for another year, with the motto My Family, My Hope.
“Among the objectives of the celebration is to improve and strengthen the welfare of families through efficient and effective programmes to produce an enriched society.”
The meeting at the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports discussed preparation and plans for this year’s celebrations across all four districts.
JAPEM said this year’s celebration will focus on religious activities in honour of the Islamic month of Rejab.
National Family Day is celebrated every first Sunday of May since its inception in 2012 to highlight the importance of a strong family institution. - Rafidah Hamit
Sumber - The Brunei Times
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