Why do you think youth violence is on the rise?

Question

There has been an increase in youth violence recently, with assaults in Downtown East and Bukit Panjang involving many who are mere teenagers and young adults. Why do you think this is happening?

Answer 1

The reason why is there a rise in youth violence is simple - Upbringing!

Singapore is a fast-paced and expensive city to live in and the people struggle to feed the family and to maintain a simple lifestyle and resulting in both parents need to work. Eventually, the children were left in childcare, daycare or "no care" (alone in the house) when the parents were out making money. The children will feel neglected and the bonding between them and the parents will slowly cease. Parents spend very little time with their children and so do not expect them to mould or discipline the children. And who can we blame?

Answer 2

very simple question to answer..........singapore singapore singapore...........a human being, wether child or adult, well adults usually at a certain age, will accept there destiny, what will be will be...

however the youths of today, want direction, do not want hand outs, just a chance to make it on there own......most of the youths today do not have the bachelor degree, and all the other things part and parcel ie parents no somebody whom knows someones fathers boss bla bla bla so automatic job, a bachelors degree gets you what.....2 or 3 k a mnth, these youths dont even have that, so what chance of settling down or buying the family home, when they don't even earn enough to look after them selves, i will be very surprised if the young today have children.......for what, there is no future...when they join a gang, meet like minded people, same predicament as them selves, then thats the closest thing they got, upping the population 4 or 5 or 6 million, then all jobs are spread thin, not all children want the IT job, bring back the trades, get paid for what you do, back in the uk, leave college after 3 years, as a brick layer, yes you all laugh, well a brick layer, was on a 1000 british pounds a week, monday to friday, finish 5 oclock, thats 8000 singapore dollar a mnth, yes certainly all the youths will find a girl friend and buy the family home, and settle down, the issue im trying to address here, is going all IT, not every youth in singapore wants to do IT, Bring in the cheap labour to build the roads and condos will have a devastating effect, long term, its a pyramid effect, yes the boss gets rich, so does his family, the 300 workers, get nothing, oh what a sacrifice, all the youths suffer, no future, because the boss doesn't want you, he will still make good profit, he wants bigger profit, so all you youths go and suffer, and look else were

Answer 3

Youth violence....



The main and biggest responsible is the parents. God blesses you with the child and put them in your care but do you really bring up the children in the way they should be? Do not blame the society, government, police, education..... Nobody owes you... is your child, your responsible... that's my oppinion. So think twice whether you are ready to become a parent before being one.



As you can see these days, premarital sex has becoming a norm, teens get pregnant, young couple having to become a parent not intentionally, marrying for the sake of marrying because already pregnant with the child. Becoming a parent without knowing how to be one. Then whose the worse victims? The poor child of course!



Yes, you feed them, provide the necessities. How about impacting values, family bonding?? Who children look upon? Of course the parents...they are the closes to them. But is the parent is a good role model? No, because do not have the knowledge how to be a good parent.



Remember this, having a child is a great responsible. If you are not willing to sacrifice your time, your energy, your whole life for bringing up a kid. Then pls don't have one. If ppl still don't realize...we cannot imagine what will become to this world...



You can say it's the End Time which is indeed true.

Answer 4

The world has made it this way. Why would they commit violence, to extort money etc? Then why opt for this choice? Because the world has made it hard for everyone to survive, everyone especially these youths. They can gain money by other means but why through violence? Think people, stop making it hard for others to survive in this world, I know we need to be the best but does being the best means sacrificing everything including our youths these days? The are changing into such a way because the environment is changing them. We need to find a way to help them, not condemn them or point fingers at their parents. If their parents can help it, they would want these them to be good citizens too but they just simply have no time to do it. If you wanna ask why, I'll give the answer, lower the cost of living, everything will improve. All our problems these day spawns from one word, MONEY. Make it easier to live then we can all be worry free and not have these many problems. I'm not sure if this will be seen or even read by anyone anymore but I want the world to learn to think, to see, to know and to understand why all these unprecedented events are happening more frequently.

Answer 5

Sigh.. 1st of all, youth violence were never on the rise. It seems like it's on the rise cos 2 cases are on the news in a very short time. That's why most of u people are called ignorant bcos u don't look into these details unless it's given a superstar like treatment.



2ndly, I've been in these teenager's shoes b4 & so, let me explain why they, or, "we" rather behave this way. All we need were attention. We lack attention from our parents basically & we hated coming home. We look for attention elsewhere & sometimes, as teenagers, we make mistakes unsurprisingly & listen to the wrong advice. These gang leaders will be your "perfect" father or brother figure & that's why these youngsters think whatever these leader says is the truth. The police need to look for the leaders cos the teen followers will never end. They'll have new members everyday.

Why? Because their parents are too busy at work to spend time with their teenage kids.

Why? Cos nowadays both parents need to work to ensure the family's finance is well taken care of. Why? Cos the cost of living in Singapore is ridiculously high there's no such thing as a "housewife" anymore.

Why? Cos that's what the blogger is trying to tell us all along. It's the government's fault.



Now, we can all understand..

Answer 6

There are many reasons why there is increasing youth violence., most importantly its because today's children have not been brought up by their parents, [depending on maids) and Singapore has changed too fast. There is not enough parental supervision and parents are also looking for an easy way out., just give the kids money and keep them shut and happy. Teens are going through a troubling time in their heads which is natural, and they need guidance all the way till they grow out of it. While they're going through this, they need love and guidance and the occasional punishment or time-out (just like when they were kids). Additionally, I don't think there is enough enforcement of the law, as teens are able to buy alcohol, cigarettes, watch movies not meant for them and go clubbing as most establishments are only concerned with making money instead of enforcing the law. I hope the relevant authorities are reading all these responses and do something about this.

Answer 7

It could be the viscous cycle of broken and disbanded families, although some of these teens/young adults, could very well come from good families or backgrounds. I've talked this over with many a professional, a random individual or simply a close friend and there were many ideas tossed around, but the main subject that stood out was simply, influence. Be it media, books, a magazine, a song album, a band, or an idea, it corrupts the intelligence as we continuously feed it. for example, a girl who is engrossed in a certain tv series, eventually, she will take on the habit of being a certain character, dress differently etc. This "change" can be further pushed towards acts of violence or against our moral judgement by parents, not being attentive to the influences that their children are exposed to, being liberal, not taking the time to understand them and being a friend to their offspring. Tv shows are so much more open in a sense, the younger generation cannot fully fathom or grasps the idea of such themes and may sometime believe in its fantasy. more rubbish tv shows, more violence and what not that comes with it. even more sexual crime cases, who knows. kids are easy to sway and its very apparent it is that way right now.

Answer 8

Problem is the "Mind"

Some of the new generation has lost rational. Behaving just like kids. A mature right mind person will know what is killing and consequences. The new generation is getting more and more kiddish and childish. Nothing wrong being kiddish but childish actions leads to wrong decisions.



i think the next generation may be even worst. Imagine kids given birth by these brutal new generations. They might be the generation who is looking forward to world war.



Check out what online games these kids are playing these days. Very realistic warfare brutal games. It takes some time and their mind are brainwashed by these games. I realised people who are addicted to gaming tends to be more bad tempered in some way.



If the mind is right, everything will be right.



We need a new creation generation. The brutal generation now is disheartening.



ps: Some Strange actions by youths this year.

1) 2 poly students commit suicide on a railway.

2) A male youth jump down at scotts road.

3) Youth being hacked at an old Orchard shopping center.

4) A male youth killed women as a revenge

5) Triads attack at pasir ris

6) Triads attack at Bukit panjang





heard from US, youths entered a house and hacked a mom and her kid. brutal murder case.

a youth trying to enter a foreign land using a fake human mask that resembles an old man.



i believe there are endless case of strange youths making headline all over the world.

Answer 9

It is true that alot of Singaporeans are stress out with the increase cost of living, making both parents have to work so as to be financially secured for the family and they end up, having little time for their kids. Thus, kids are neglected and they will start to find friends outside school/home, at places where they feel that attention and guidance can be given.



Being part of the gang made them feel wanted and involvement in assults gave them a sense of authority and gain attention from people. The kids nowadays are bolder but yet more ignorant, leading to more violence assult incident and they probably do not understand the consequences for their actions.



I always believe in life, everything is a cycle and everything is linked to one another. There has to be a cause for every effect and probably, the government may want to look into how to improve the people's life (in terms of quality) so as to allow them to have a more balanced work-life lifestyle and this, in turn, will make the Singapore a better place.

Answer 10

This is starting to be a bit of a chicken and egg situation but if we acknowledge the truth, there are way too many influencing factors. The most obvious reasons are that the youth are not being sufficiently engaged and occupied, and have too much free time on their hands. Add this to peer pressure, lack of parental supervision, raging hormones and the desire for money and respect, you get a time bomb that's waiting to explode, if it has not exploded already.



So then the questions become "Why aren't the youth sufficiently engaged?" and "Why is there lack of parental supervision?"



The answers are most likely that there are probably not enough projects and mandatory extra curricular activities in schools and universities to keep youth positively occupied. (The busier they are, the less time they'll have to get up to no good.)



In addition, parents are probably too busy these days trying to make ends meet or to give their children a comfortable life. Our high rate of inflation and high cost of living certainly doesn't help. Then again, maybe some parents just find it "easier" to work than to spend time with their children.



There is only so much that the law can do, but there is much that both government and parents can do. It's not going to be easy and it's going to take time. But this is no excuse for us to sit back on our bottoms and grumble and point fingers instead.



If you are a parent, spend a little more time with your child each day. If you are a relative, a friend, even a youth who is not involved in gangs, do or say something positive to help steer others OUT of trouble instead of IN to trouble.



If we can just stop looking for others to blame and stop waiting for others to try and fix the problem, and instead take do our part to take positive measures every day and at every opportunity to help promote discipline and good values, I think we would all be on our way to making the situation better.



In short, we shouldn't point fingers - it's no use and won't achieve anything but more dissatisfaction. Instead, we should ask ourselves what we can do to help make things better around us.

Answer 11

I totally agree with Jumbo Jump on his answer.



It annoys me that when something happened than public starts blaming the police for this and that but didn't they look at the bigger picture. What role have they played before pointing fingers at others saying they lack the skill, slacking behind etc just because they think they are tax payers.



C'mon, nobody owes anybody a living. We are all tax payers as a whole and i think prevention is better than anything else. We can all guide our younger generations towards the brighter side of life rather than letting them fall prey into those that brings them harm. When gang leader sees a opportunity of a child feeling left out or needing attention, that's when the one things leads to another.



Utmost important i think would be the parents' parts to play cause u can depend solely on the school to guide your child through everything. A teacher can only look after this many amount of student and giving a very limited attention. Thus, i think media plays a big part in everyone upbringing as we are largely exposed to media at all time.

Answer 12

Due to the influence from the TV take a look at all Taiwan show 100% got gang fight but will be able to escape if since young the children are grown up in this situation what you think and alot of gang fight movies and even made gangster hero.

The police arent doing much to tackle the problem they tend to sweep it into the carpet now the carpet too small dust too much.

BTW once there are a gang of youngster making alot of noise at void deck during midnight at Hougang I call the police but when the police came they tend to talk to the gangster but instead of the gangster move away they shouted at the police men to my surprise the policeman move backwards and I made another call to the police post and get help for the police officer on duty there. It is time the police be firm to the gangster start sweeping them now before it is too late. If the few recent cases was not handle properly and given max charges it will encourage more youngster to join the secret society.

Answer 13

I am a sec 3 student,though I will of course not reveal my identity.I want to say that gap between the 'adults' and 'children,teenagers,young adults(whatever sounds more pleasing to the ear)' is extremely,extremely wide.Honestly speaking,I find that my peers(and me) these days are more independent.For example,the social studies subject,or character education,you know what we call it? Propaganda.All our social studies books show examples and scenarios on how,Oh,we are so much better than Sri Lanka,Oh,we do not have social strife like Ireland,how,oh,the government takes such good care of us,how lucky we are,how 'successful',how 'understanding and caring' the policies made by the government are.What we think,is that this is a whole lot of brainwashing,propaganda.

The education system is unable to connect with us,we are separate beings.I am quite sure my peers will agree in some form of manner.Our parents all tell us how ultimately the certificate will decide our lives,how it is our life and we should ''fight(aka study)'' for it.This is an an two sided situation.We have to face the education system,either you are in,or you are thrown around like a unwanted rag,no cert,no life.Then we have to face our family and(maybe) friends,we don't do well,they nag,they scold,they punish,they actually spend their ''precious'' time with you,when most of the time they are away working,leaving you alone.It makes one wonder if someone should do something about it,as sooner or later someday,someone,somewhere in a school will find him or herself under immense,immense pressure.Then when this happens,there comes talk about going to a counselor,which basically means a report on you which will follow you for LIFe.

Yes I can go on ranting,but I have my E(&A) maths,which are separate subjects(yes,we have two mathematics subjects,when one is already taxing enough),to complete,and the time is 9.11p.m.And my parents just returned not long ago,and then passed my computer to me,and here I am.

Oh,and my A maths teacher threatened my class to make sure we get it her work done.

Oh,and I have to find out the growth of the RenMingBi(aka the Yuan(china)) for E maths.

And all this to be in tomorrow.

Wait,why am I wasting time here? Because someone might take interest in my opinion,though I highly doubt that.Never hurts to try though.

Even though I am just fifteen,already I feel tired of living in such a society.

If anyone asks me to join some secret society,I might even consider it,for personal reasons that are shared with my peers.

No wonder youth violence is on the rise.

Haha,I feel so much better now.

Just my opinion,sorry if i make anyone cry,no ill intentions meant.

Answer 14

I believe it is the way our society has become as such things do not happen overnight. During my growing up years, street gangs were already being popular because of the great job of our Police Force in decimating the original forms of secret societies, These SS were dwindling in numbers at that time to near extinction. It was still possible then to get into trouble in those days when one try to use the names of the SS as they will actually come after you. Today those SS members are old and frail and I believe, couldn't care less about one street gang from another. And street gangs are really loose in formation and has no code. They resemble more of a mob that's out for some thrill than an organised gang that has agenda on the table. And I believe it makes matters worst today when kids are overly protected by their parents, evident in the paper reports about parents wanting to take action on teachers and schools for caning their child. To top that off, parents have no time for the children, gives them money for computer games that encourages violence etc. Kids today has lost the traditional values that used to be dear and close to heart. The Police will be having a hard time dealing with these kids.

Answer 15

These fools are feeling total lost in nowadays society. Not good enough to achieve anything and cannot be in the same level of good lads that set goals to achieve in the corporate world. So the only way is to flock together and gather dust . Together , they can find common goal and strength to showcase their power and to some, leadership of Ta Ge Ta.

These lads live in their own world and only by using voilence , they can then proof their worth and at least a hero. But what they forgot is the heavy penalty price to pay (if I think otherwise). I if our law continue to be lenient with them the result could be disasteruous . It just shows that they can continue to gather strength and widen their net of their company with nothing to FEAR about. That subsequently will further encourage them to upgrade their activities and changing the society back into the 60s. where gangster is the law of the day. Do we want it to happen? Dont we are reminded to stay vigilant and should not be complacent of terrorism at all times and why then only a police post with a few policemen on duty is assigned to take care of the estate? Pls. do not be penny wise pound foolish and employed more policemen.I hope the government take these matter seriously. An isolated case? Get slash for nothing? I hope we can still walk safely on the road even on daylight and crowded shopping centers.

Answer 16

Youth violence is on the rise merely because parents are not paying too much attention to their kids. They are all so busy trying to earn a decent living not realizing that they are missing out so much on what their kid's activities are and who do they go out with.

There is nothing wrong about having a two career family so long as the parents would still find time to be or at least have a short chat with the kids everyday.

Another factor would be the media.. Kids today not only in Singapore, have so much freedom and access to the internet. We parents may not see the bad effects at the beginning but sooner or later we will. Governments should thoroughly look closely on this one because media is and will always be the fastest way to transmit good and bad influences to the people.

Answer 17

I think that the government has a part to play. You see, why are parents nowadays working so hard to support their families and forgetting about their children? Everything around is so expensive now, school fees, rent, even items in supermarkets, all the prices are rising. That's why parents work so hard and often neglect their child. Therefore, to seek attention, their child gets into fights. When the school or police contacts their parents, they get the attention from their parents. So, I think it's because of the government's expectations which leads to the parents working too hard and neglecting their child, that leads to youth violence (:

Answer 18

In my mind, the major areas of influence being 1) TV and 2) Computer Games.



TV - the blame must fall on the local productions that Media-corp ran in Singapore over a protracted period some two to three years ago.

There was one "gangster" film after another shown at prime time in Singapore. It was as if there was an encouragement for teenagers to join gangs and that this was part and parcel of growing up. It portrayed bravery, success, recognition, rewards, respect if one was a gang member. These local productions also showed smoking as a great lifestyle and smoking was part of showing ones manhood. Smoking therefore was the projected highlight of each and every episode.

Sadly too, each subsequent production became more brazen than the previous. Inevitably each episode had these "hereos" and "respected" youths smoking, fighting and bullying.

The main theme was the encouragement aimed at teenagers that to be "somebody", to be recocognised and respected and worse, to succeed, they should proof their bravery and so fighting scenes were predominant in each episode.

I questioned than and I question now, the reasons for Mediacorp going in this direction.



Next being the inexhaustable quantity of Video and computer games.

Look into this area and you'll find - KILLING - as the main theme.

Every other game emphasises the edict - "Kill or be Killed".



So there.

Answer 19

Come on, Jumbo Jump....."violence is a form of expression"..! This is the last thing we need ... to justify why the youths resort to violence. We cannot afford this level of tolerance that allows for the life of another to be taken and term it as a "form of expression"! Yes... it is on the rise..not just in Spore but in most countries around the globe. The norm and values that were imparted to us by our parents, teachers and society in general do not seem to be handed down any more these days, or if they were, are not taking root in the minds of the young. Values have changed and these need to be re-looked at by parents and teachers alike. Both parents working day and night leaving the children in the hands of a domestic is definitely not the way it was in my time but that's the way it is now. Can the system stand-in as the parental figure? Definitely not! So parents must be aware of this and commit to "quality" time with the kids to impart the virtues of love, family,integrity, tolerance, friendship and all things good. Ain't going to happen tomorrow but it sure is something that we need to work towards ... all of us ... and like all things in Spore - with the support if the authorities of course...!

Answer 20

There are numerous response that are irrational but few solutions to tackle a small number of youth violence that resulted in murder or eventual and fatal consequences.However, on the main issue, the government is not totally blame worthy as this tiny island multi-racial make-up demands a more liberal approach both in the social and economic mainstream. At any point Singaporean must be grateful to our leaders for lifting us above the third world ruts. It is also true that some degreee of equality are somewhat unfathomable.

This brings me to the next point where parents who are less able or fortunate would forsake parenting priorities, thus leaving the children to fend for themselves. Worst of all but to decide how to live their life with the help of their peers....hence some one else life is hung on a thread. There are

many armchair critics and "experts", but who can really tell what is racing through the mind of the vicious young gangster who slashes away at the helpless victim.

There is only one clear situation though. The aggressors knows that they must hide from the arms of the law because FEAR overcome their dispositions whether they stick together or hiding alone. They know that the Law will decide their fate but its too late. Then some one else becomes the target at he end of the pointed index finger. Parents must release that three other fingers of the clenched fist are pointing backward. The father, mother and child are themselves to blame.

The police department have a role to play, but it can be neither too early nor too late, However, is it not too late to say that the vicious gangster have to be dealth a severely after some fatal incident? Does it not potray a degree of incompetency to affected family members and observers including opportunist taking pot shots at the Leaders.



Lastly. Perhaps Legal process can take it course to restrict fearsome tattoos that potray gangland or triad connections. History must not be allowed to repeat itself.

Dress codes (in the latest all black outfit) that display gangland and triad connections requires enforcement actions especially when young members dress in similar black gathers in groups and are deemed unruly and disturbing the peace. Public informants should be met with responsive actions.

Members in the groups who are suspects and display aggressive nature should be brought in for police mustering actions and warned. Parents are required to post bail if the youth are found to have been engaged in triad activities

Answer 21

Lack of parental guidance. Poor educational background. Mixing with the wrong pool of people. Higher cost of living.

These are a few of the maybe reasons of "Why Youth Violence is on the rise". As the Authority is trying their best to make Singapore a "Safe" and better place for all of us to live in, sometime "The Best" is still not good enough. Things happened where there are lack of security or patrolling done and at the same time we human just took daily life for granted. We are just too comfortable with the "SAFE COUNTRY" until we forget to be vigilant.

Answer 22

Correct me if I'm wrong. I believe some youth may have an inborn to be a gangster.... True, some may be misguided due to lack of parental love and control. When I was a young boy, I do not have proper guidance from my parents because I have many siblings. My parents are not well educated and we don't come from well to do family. My father worked hard to support the family but one thing for sure all my siblings including me knew what was right and what was wrong. We had fights with our own neighbours and also among ourselves. But eventually we outgrown these childishness and have become better parents eventually. We all work hard to have better future. I guess alot can be due to more exposure to the media and unhealthy internet accesses. I still believe if one has a good heart by nature, he will never sway to the wrong direction so easily.

Answer 23

I firmly believe there are many factors to this issue. The increase in youth violence is a real cause for concern. It shows that society does not involve everyone who are outcast to be engaged in meaningful activities, activities that do not involve violence, crime and moral depravity. But the good news is that more organisations such as the Teen Challenge are taking these juvenile delinquents to be involved in more meaningful activities. One also cannot really say that there is an increase in youth violence just by these two events. More time is needed to be factored in in order to discover the root cause of this issue. Youth violence can also involve school students who are not in gangs. Youth violence among school students can be due to computer games which prominently advocates violence such as the World of Warcraft or even similar ones such as Lord of the rings online which was freely downloadable for everyone recently. Such games are widely available on the internet and are highly addictive. Although this seems to be quite a trivial issue to the general public, it seems to contribute to youth violence as a whole. Even gang members play them.

Answer 24

First, youth does not have any values in life. They do not have warmth at home, perhaps the parents are always working. There is no guidance and no sense of belonging. They need attention and no one is there to listen. In School, teachers are too busy with school work to be listening or counseling these youth. In the end, they feel empty inside. They go out to play games and when they are out, they meet kids about their age or older. These older kids offer sense of belonging and comfort. They suddenly feel they belong with these youth group. In this new found family, they do things together and they feel they are regarded as someone, especially when they are asked to do a job and when they do so, they are regarded highly. They never feel important anywhere but here. They feel good. Their self esteem is heightened and they continue to take instructions as they have all been brain washed that you can have a better life with this group of people. How disappointed they will be when they are hanged for their crime eventually.;(



Parents need to be around their children.

Teachers need to teach attributes. Friends need to be more observant.

The public must never tolerate this violence!

Answer 25

I have many times seen many teenagers in groups hanging out in public areas and behaving unruly and without any disregard or respect for the public. They have seen to be smoking while underaged, making excessive noise, littering. When the police are called upon they come but are unsure on how to handle the situation and the teens seem to make a mockery of them. Then they just give a warning and leave the scene. Usually if they arrive, it is mostly too late and the incident in relation to the complaint has already been overtaken by time. Their reason "non-siezable offence". The public have to be fearful of these groups and also be weary of how their own kids relate to such unruly behaviour in public. With gang-related incidents on the rise, such incidents are just ticking timebombs that can anytime escalate into something worse and cause harm to the teens or even worse, the public. The teens assumption "no1 will dare complain about us and no1 is going to dare confront us, no matter what we do".

Answer 26

Dear Malanie,



Why always blaming Foreigners? Are you trying to say Singaporeans are perfect? I just don't understand why some people have really narrow mind and cannot think properly.

The main problem is your Singaporean kids are too Americanize and they think what American kids do is right and cool. Foreigners kids maybe stay home and studying for the bright future at that time when the gang fight occur because they know how difficult the life is.

Stop being negligence and find the way to solve the problem. Those kids need love and let them know they will never become an American in this life...not sure about next life.

Answer 27

This is the result of cabin fever. Or frustrations arising from overcrowding. I have observed serious altercations on public transport. Everyone is edgy. Singapore loves to cherry-pick what it likes to adopt from our global peers and neighbours. It was once mentioned that if Hong Kong, an island, can accommodate 8 million people, singapore can support 6 million. But one thing our authorities overlooked is that Hong Kong's outlying islands are also opened for residential purpose and thus their population is spread out. We have the entire population on just the main island and the minority of the creme de la creme on Sentosa. I remember going to school in the 70s and we were told to stop at two or else there will be a population explosion and there won't be enough food for everyone. We are stepping on each other's toes and encroaching on each other's personal space. What further exacerbates the situation is that many foreigners are not culturally adjusted before they are allowed into the country. We have foreigners strolling when they should be walking fast, or stopping in the middle of a busy thoroughfare and chatting, talking at the top of their voices in enclosed spaces. Are you stressed out just from reading this? I bet you may even have the urge to reach out and touch someone... and not in a friendly way at that.

Answer 28

To view things in terms of the majority's opinion, many will assert such happening due to the teenage is lacking of care and concern, doesn't have a sense of belonging to home or society, having family problems, or blaming the media, just to list a few. However, as a young adult of age 18 here, who had once mixed with a group of gangsters, I realized that the very fact is that violence, involving a group of people has virtually no connections with respect to the aforementioned.



On the contrary, one is however largely influenced by what kind of people he or she is mixing with for a prolonged period of time. This is especially applicable to secondary schools. If one is to observed carefully, teenage violence only has its roots in notorious schools, and does not involve prestigious schools. I have even witnessed a series of changes on many of my schoolmates and classmates, from an innocent boy at the Secondary one level, becoming an uncivilized (speaking vulgarities, watching pornography in class, smoking and sparring at HDB blocks) person at the Secondary two level, and eventually become a dominating tattooed gangster at the Secondary three level, patrolling around the school from time to time. Sometimes, even teachers had them no choice. Some teachers can't even tolerate the students' behavior but to leave school. However, some knowing well that Secondary four is a major exam that they have to take, some quit gang and "attempt" to lead back a normal life. Undoubtedly, their aberrant behavior is seemingly impossible to change back to a decent one. For those who remain in gang, one can imagine what they are capable of doing next.



The concern that I want to raise here is that youth violence often stems from Secondary schools, especially those that grant entry with points lower than 200 out of 300. If a fair distribution amongst those "potential to-be gangsters" is not properly even out and by mixing them together, one will be aware of the consequences.



The problem is that after these group of gangsters come together, they usually build their courage based on numbers. They start off with destroying school property, threatening students in school, arguing or fighting with teachers, and eventually when they step into the society, they go on to a higher level, such as wielding parangs and alarming the public. The thing is whatever they had done in school, the public had not witnessed it, and therefore was shocked when they came across the recent news.

Answer 29

As a former Principal and an educator with almost a decade of invlovement in both the primary and secondary schools and now in the private adult school, i firmly believe that education always begin at home. We as teachers and facilitators could only do so much and sometimes so little to mould the lives of an individual onyl to be met with brickbats and insults and sometimes miscarriages of justice just because we have this passion to want to change the attititudes and paradigms of thoughts of this group of growing up kids. We as parents must shoulder the main bulk of our responsibilities as father or a mother and make the painful decision to drop career before family. A child that is devoid of love, comapssion and belonging since young will definitely become quuite inteachable and sometimes rebellious and no amount of creative teaching superimposed by IQ, AQ, EQ, CQ and BQ could change the mindset of an adolescent or a teenager or a youth. The 2 recent senseless killings are a grim reminder to we PARENTS that money is not all about everything in life and we need to quickily re-focus on our own children and perhaps the government's MCYS, NCSS and other relevant agencies must proactively and spontaneously coem out with immediate and swift mesures or preamptive legislations to deal with this group of lawless youth who have scan or little respect for our guardians of law. i could not imagine my son to be armed with a dangerous weapon who is always on the prowl looking out for victims to inflict harm at the slightest provocation which will turn tiny Singapore into the infamous krakatoa eruption that cast far reaching effect into every segments of our multi racial, religious and harmonious nation. Something must be done fast, quick and swift before Singapore degenerates into an infamous Chicago or New York downtown alleys where dangers and crimes lurk........ Adjunct professor Barnabas Leong

Answer 30

Not just teenage crimes, but other crimes are on the rise too. This is the result of cabin fever. Or frustrations arising from overcrowding. I have observed serious altercations on public transport. Everyone is edgy. Singapore loves to cherry-pick what it likes to adopt from our global peers and neighbours. It was once mentioned that if Hong Kong, an island, can accommodate 8 million people, singapore can support 6 million. But one thing our authorities overlooked is that Hong Kong's outlying islands are also opened for residential purpose and thus their population is spread out. We have the entire population on just the main island and the minority of the creme de la creme on Sentosa. I remember going to school in the 70s and we were told to stop at two or else there will be a population explosion and there won't be enough food for everyone. We are stepping on each other's toes and encroaching on each other's personal space. What further exacerbates the situation is that many foreigners are not culturally adjusted before they are allowed into the country. We have foreigners strolling when they should be walking fast, or stopping in the middle of a busy thoroughfare and chatting, talking at the top of their voices in enclosed spaces. Are you stressed out just from reading this? I bet you may even have the urge to reach out and touch someone... and not in a friendly way at that.

Answer 31

Parental upbringing is one of the cause as now a days, kids are treated as Prince at home, they get what they want at home. Some parents are even afraid of their children. What has the world become ? Media also play a part as well with the likes of internet, violence computer gaming etc. The fact that most family had duo income also plays a part as kids are left on their own after school, maybe in the hands of maids or doting granny who will only say YES to what the kids want.



As a result, they turn to friends and usually most will end up involving in activities that give them thrill and these activities eventually may lead to crime.

Answer 32

All children are born innocent. A child will be taught that violence is a no no for some parents. While others allow the child to exhibit tantrum freely in public, sending a message that it is alright to do so. Tantrum may then build up throughout his life, getting bolder each time and eventually turn into violence if not educated properly. Family environment, peer pressure and society can lead to good or bad character building. Charity begins at home.

Answer 33

Teenagers may be ignorant, idealistic and unaware of consequences of their action. A lot thought they can escape the authority or just spend a short time in jail. The recent events, one after another, signal to us that the problem is not just with the teenagers. The gangs which are adults or seasoned gangsters hv escaped the authority's attention. To stop this kind of reckless acts is to come down hard on the gangs esp the gang leaders and send a strong deterrent message to the public esp the youngsters by handing out very stiff penalties on those charged recently. A crackdown on gangs like in the 60s n 70s is necessary to root out the problem.

Answer 34

S'pore has became a so called developed country.Housing , foods,transportation etc has increased tremendously ,standard of living is very high compared with many asian countries.Parents have to work very hard to provide their children education fees like paying for a home tutor,housing loans etc.

Of course ,the time spend with their children is lesser than those mothers who are not working.Whos..fault???

I'm a S'porean living in Japan over 32years and I'm teaching in the Japanese elementary schools .I have seen many kinds of children.And usually the children bad behaviour is due to loneliness. Either their parents have no time for them ,or they are from broken family or their parents domestic violence.These are most of the major reasons.

A well developed country has this problem .Children can get what ever they want easily and can just dispose it without thinking about the waste of money.This is parents fault.they will buy what ever their children want.Parents should teach their children to be patient ...let them wait till their birthday comes and give them a present.Not any time!!Children must learn to treasure things.



Young people who are lonely will hang around at any busy areas ,just hope to have a chance to meet new friends .They need someone to be friend.Parents should try to spend time with them if they are off from work.Youth usually have a insecure feelings,so if parents would spend time with them it will definately makes a big difference.

Answer 35

Police from all estates should start proweling in plain clothes to hot spots known for rowdy youths congregating such as playground areas and parks especially after 11pm, shopping centres and especially discos such as St James and Clarke Quay, plus the ones at Orchard Road at Orchard Plaza where a youth was stabbed and slashed there a few month ago cos there are so many fights that goes unreported at those places that and even if the police came, everyone's already left and no one can be caught.



The police really needs to gear up their patrolling, prowelling and be more proactive screening these youths and remembering their faces to mark potential troublemakers and asking them for their purpose at a particular place and time and even do a frisk search for any offensive weapons that they might be carrying along or hidden in nearby places.



Schools should start reporting any students that is known to be involved in gangs to the police or it would cost them their job.



N parents should start paying attention to their children and their activities.

Answer 36

you have to blame it on the culture and the dialect. As a Chinese let me tell you we are descendents of our ancestors in China who were not civilised and street-smart as the whites.I dont like the whites but sadly it is true., Although the Chinese people in Singapore have picked up Malay culture such as intermarriage mingling and usage of malay words into the dialect

Now i am not against any dialect but to put it a point Hokkien or what most gangsters used is generally very offensive and vulgar and is associated with handsign It is worse than German i studied before at least in the German language you can't hear what they speak unless you are adept in their language. I am a non-Hokien but yet i can understand why through their expression.It is time for the Singapore goverment on use of dialects as it is making people more impuslive and violent

then whats the difference between the same gangfights in countries like America or Australia. The difference is that in these countries the gangsters are more civilised and articulate they don't bring parangs but they hurt you by your words and sometimes action whereas in Singapore and Malaysia violence always taken first nature. But dont worry it only happens among Chinese youth especially Hokkien

THats why it pleases me when i see the crop of Malays and Indians rising in Singapore. Malays are very pecaeful people who are civilised because Islam is a pecaeful religon and they live by their faith.I am a Roman Catholic and despite have differences i have great respect for Islam theology for them and the Indians they are well-mannered and smart. They are not the type to inch a fight

This is not to say all Chinese are like that. But if they want to change. They have to change their mentality

or you'll be like the Chinese who were mocked and conquered by the West a century ago

Yours sincerly in Christ

Answer 37

Main reason is Singapore is very much lack of religious teaching. Any religious Buddhist or Christian or Islam, good teaching is required for youths and teens. Only the religious guidance will deter for doing the wrong thing. Of course the religious teaching must pure faith and not to become extremist.

Now a days most of the parents as well as children were no faith in religion and all like free thinkers which they are proud to be. Since young everybody needs to be learned for religious and follow the right and show the good path for life.

Peace be in Singapore, Buddha bless you.

With Love , With Metta,

Answer 38

If you check the background of these teenagers, you will find that more than 75% come from single-parent family. The lack of emotional and financial support forces these teenagers or makes them more vulnerable to recruitment by gangs.



So, the rise in youth violence is a consequence of a rise in divorce rate. Unless we can arrest the increase in divorce rate, more children will feel unwanted and resort to violence just to get some needed attention.

Answer 39

There are various reasons for the increase of youth violence but I think the major reason is:



1) Parents are overly protective for their child during their upbringing, even though when their child has done something wrong. Thus when the child grows older, they will behave like nobody can 'touch me' that kind of mentality. You can see it everywhere in Singapore. A very classic example is when their kids fight or bully other kids in a school, of course they will get punishment or scolding from the teacher. If that happen, their parent will go to the school and scolded the teacher or even threaten to sue the teacher or school.



2) If that happen frequently, it becomes a practice for the teacher not to take any action or proper punishment to the kids even though if they have committed a serious offence because the teacher might ended up being exposed to all sorts of threatening by the kids parents. The kids know that even though if they bully or fight with other kids, they will not get any punishment.



3) Nowadays kids are already easily exposed to all kinds of bad influences especially from the TV what's more from the internet. Human are very strange because most people easily learn bad things much more easily than learn good things.



I think the most important things are that the parents should teach their children more about our traditional culture value be it Chinese, Malay or Indian. I believe most of the people who live thru 60's, 70's or 80's knows that people from that era are much more behave because their parents usually teach them and educate them more on traditional culture, discipline and tolerance. I know it is much easier to talk than action especially in this modern and materialistic world but if we don't start it, who will? Let's create a more peaceful, understanding and tolerance society. It should start from us.

Answer 40

This kind of cases are common in the past few years, except for the fact that it happened in a space of 2 weeks, and death was involved. We can't say that parents are not spending enough time on their children and hence led to the unfortunate events. Our parents are working hard enough to support the family. Think about it, what if our parents is working as a newspaper seller or hawkers and any kind of long working hours job, by the time they reach home maybe their children is already asleep. Sources of bad companies comes from all walks of life, most of the turning point for the teenagers nowadays is during secondary school days. Maybe the MOE or the gov can look into this sector to promote anti-secret societies collaboration or to prevent further unfornate events from happening. its sad to see the 4-5 young teenagers doing a stupid crime and getting the death sentence for it. just my 2 cents worth of view.

Answer 41

Modern teenagers and young adults grow up in a society with watching too much television and playing computer games. Most are influenced into the secret society mainly from friends of friends. Parents play apart in our everyday lives, but we can't blame the whole situation on them.



We can't judge a person by it's cover. Say for an example; Person A comes from a rich and educated family but person A is a member of a secret society. Person B comes from a poor, uneducated family and either parents are around or drug addicts, but still Person B tried hard enough not to become like the parents and person B is not involved in any secret society.



Can we really blame it on parents? I'd say no.

Answer 42

What has the world become ? Media also play a part as well with the likes of internet, violence computer gaming etc. The fact that most family had duo income also plays a part as kids are left on their own after school, maybe in the hands of maids or doting granny who will only say YES to what the kids want.

Answer 43

Who knows. Personally i still regard kids like that as posers. They are not gangsters in a million years. It's a stupid minority which give them credit that makes them carry on with their idiotic behaviour. If they realised how the majority of the country looks down upon them as weak and pathetic then perhaps they would stop with their filthy behaviour. Of course the government doesn't help things with their lenient sentences. People really don't see any consequences for their actions anymore. Edit: Was your friend the amateur footballer btw? Because i heard about that on the news. R.I.P to him anyway and sorry for your loss. Hopefully the government will realise that the youth crime epidemic in this country has gone too far sooner rather than later before it destroys anymore lives.

Answer 44

Firstly, parents have to work long hours and upgrade or two jobs. They do not have time to guide kids. Do you think you have the time and energy after buying a 700k HDB?



Secondly, our society talks about monetary success and not moral. We answer moral question with law like parents maintenance bill. So emphasize on dog eat dog competition, which does not bread kindness. Have low tolerance for "losers" and "step" on others weaker than us if they compete with us without mercy.



Thirldy, our education system too do nothing about moral, social and civic grooming. Even primary school talks about running business and not how to be a responsible person.



fourth, TV, movies, internet, video games has too much violence...



finally, after 1 to 4 above, the only have friends to turn to... and with hot blooded youth, violence is the result.

Answer 45

1. Family - Although this should be one of the root causes of rebellion because of the lack of proper guidance etc, it is also not entirely the "parent's" fault. You can't fault a parent for wanting to provide for their children and themselves the best way they can. Not only do they have to fend for their children's expenses, but of course for themselves too isn't it? These days, you can't immediately expect them to take care of you for life.



2. Social Influence - What i can't understand is that most "gangs" are usually recruited from schools, but the teachers are not able to spot it out. I was a student once and I know that they are just everywhere. Only problem is that we were too timid to let the cat out of the bag for fear we'd get ourselves into trouble. These issues should not be handled by teachers alone but also with the police if any student were to be suspected of gang related activities. Keep a record. Get the police to come down to schools often. Get them to talk to EVERY student. I'm sure they'd find aplenty there. Schools let them off with "caning" and believe it solves the problem. Maybe it does within school compounds but not out there in public. Caning never solved anything. You'd always see the same few people up there on stage isn't it?



Of course we should not just impose the ultimate by "hanging", but instilling fear is after all the best deterent. The police should do their part in giving talks and explaining what EXACTLY happens in jail if anyone were caught. How much it costs for bail etc... And also what happens after they are released. I believe this would at least help a little with the influence kids face with regard to gang related issues.

Answer 46

Maiden Post!!!



Starting from e day we r born, e environment we live in and e culture instilled in us by our families.



All these aspects play very important roles in our up-bringing. Finally, the people we hang out with when we r grown-ups...



But, there is 1 thing that we shud not missed out! The society tat we live in!



Pressure! Stress! Competition!



We talked much abt Parent's Responsibilities on the child's up-bringing, nt spending enuf time with e child, nt providing e best environment for e child and more.........



Did we failed to realise tat some parents might also be facing every day stress, pressure n competition frm their work n other environmental factors???



As e world changes n moving forward, i feel tat many r left behind n nt able to deal with e pace tat is headed for them. Hence, coping with wrk, family and lifestyle is a Big challenge to these people.



For those middle n lower income families, it is worse as there is 1 more concern, Sustaining e family basic needs n lifestyle.



Having to take away all those negative elements, do u think tat e child will end up in such state?



Instilling e rite Family Values can be a strong antidote to teenage violence n e childs'rite path in life. But, hw many parents know hw to put it in e rite approach? Do they have e time n e rite skills?



I guess everyone has their own pt of views to this. There is no rite or wrong to e ways of teaching e child e rite path in life. Is all abt hw well u can maneuver when u face obstacles along e way. Ofcos, having able to give them e good environment for growing up is equally important.



Cheers

(Once uponna bad child)

Answer 47

When I was in school, being caned by teachers was normal. If our parents were called in, our parents will agree with the teachers and spanked us more! Now, our kids are well protected. A teacher can even get bullied by students. What is our education system trying to prove? I say, bring back the old times of disciplining children. I believe we have to show the kids that elders including teachers are to be respected. It will go a long way in stopping violence amongst the youth, I like to believe.

Answer 48

Many young people today claim they are bored even though they have more access to things to do than my generation had.

My generation also had rebels but it usually did not manifest itself through violence.

My generation would be more prone to risk taking where only the risk taker would get harmed if things went wrong.

It can seem strange that a lot of young people today express the feeling that they are bored since they have mobile phones, computers, Internet, computer games and easy access to sports etc.

During my own youth we did not have all of this but what we had was energy and imagination so we could entertain our self without getting bored.

Most of my generation did not grow up taking things for granted but a lot of the youth today has the problem that they have never faced real hardship so when it hit them they simply spin out of control.

Many children today grow up without much contact with their parents so in many cases they will be very vulnerable to gangs etc because they have never learned to be independent.

Singapore has in a sense become a victim of its own success because most families today spend most of their time working thus not spending enough time with their children.

Answer 49

The biggest reason is that the police is not taking violent crime seriously enough.



Remember the case where the man was punched in the face in a hawker centre, when he made a police report, the police actually told him that this was a civil case and he should go find his own lawyer?



What kind of message is the police trying to send to the public? "Don't worry, go ahead and punch someone! We won't catch you!"?



Our youth also got this message and thought nothing would happen to them if they use violence.

Answer 50

Some of PAP ministers had dinner with gangsters, mediums, join in those crazy supernatural worships. Burning gold papers, hell notes, candles, drinking alchohol. But mainly in Yishun. The bigger groups and old timers are there. Bukit Panjang youths are green horns. They may be traced to Yishun gangs. And dig deeper you may find the Minister i m talking about.

Answer 51

I have heard about 369 15 years ago.

Society will never be perfect.

If there is good, there will be bad.

There will always be troubled teens grouping together. We can never eliminate those but we can keep track on it.



I think the problem goes to our home security where they fail to keep track and control on this gangs. Look 369 have been around since 15 years ago, it is not something new. There will always be a chance that there will be youth violence on the rise if it is left unchecked.

Answer 52

These days I think the electronic games that the youths play are full of gory & violence; these serve to "glorify" the idea of violence which youngsters may take it to mean that it is permissible in real life too. Also a lot of movies these days seem to give the idea that being violent is good.

Answer 53

There could probably be a few possible explanations for the rise in youth violence. First of all, the media could possibly play an important part in shaping the mindset of young people. My personal observation tells me that the content of movies and computer games we see available in the marketplace are getting more and more violent. We have heard of cases recently reported in the news that those youths who are addicted to computer games had displayed signs of violence. Moreover, the MTVs which can be quite popular amongst the teenagers are also not a good influence to young people as its content can be vulgar and immoral.



Another critical contributing factor which I believe have led to an increase in youth violence is the lack of proper parental guidance and supervision. Having said that, have parents, in general, devoted so much time to their work to the extent that they have neglected their parenting responsibilities? Are parents able to set aside time after a day of hard work to communicate with their children or are they feeling so exhausted to the extent that they are unable to give the quality attention their children so desire? Are parents involved in their children’s lives? Have parents failed to discipline their children when they have done wrong? Have parents abdicated their parenting responsibilities to their maids or other family members? The list of questions for parents to reflect could go on and on, but the crux of the matter is this: lack of proper parental guidance and supervision will damage the well-being of a child.



The role of parents cannot be overemphasised in the lives of their children and I believe all of us would agree that children look upon their parents as their role models in life. All parents have an extremely important role to play in the spiritual, character, moral, academic, emotional, social and physical development of their sons and daughters. Hence, when parents fail to guide their children properly and when they fail to give them the attention that they need, young people would resort to seeking other places for attention in order to fulfill their sense of self-esteem even though it may involve bad company and gangs. And when a youth decides to be with the wrong group of peers it is unlikely that any good would come out of such a relationship.

Answer 54

I was travelling this evening in the MRT and saw 5 teenagers pushing each other around causing some commotion even though there were a number of office people and parents with infants in prams. Our society is what i prefer to define as the price to the "race". Here goes the formula, If more time spent to earn money, less time with children else more money = spend on children lavishly to compensate for conscience.



That's only for the average to above average earning family. The second formula will be.. If parents striving to earn money, less time with children, less gifts, less care and concern therefore return "I don't give a damn to the world mindset in kids these days" else "I rule the world and i need to seek for attention" kids.





Audience... Pick your choice.

Answer 55

1: Now a days both parents have to work to meet end needs, children is either put in the child care or grandparents.

2: parents should stop what they're doing for a second and listen to your child. Ask them how is school, what they have been doing, who are their friends, rather than just jump to conclusion and start judging them.

3:I'm a mother of two who are still studying in primary school. I was called by the school one day and was told that my daughter is beaten by a boy with the school bag for no reason. I came to learn that the boy who beat my girl is facing problem at home as he is neglected by his parents and to make thing worse he had just got a baby sister who got all the attention more than him.



People, i think it's time for us to stop pointing finger at the police force and status. i know kids who come from a average income family who is doing very well and behaving better than those from the elite. Every action of a child is always the shadow of the adult. I think culture and basic up bringing is very important.

Answer 56

I do believe that youth violence has been around all along and not necessarily 'on the rise' now.



The issue with youth being in 'groups' may be down to quite a few reasons with the common ones as follow:



i) Lack of sense of belonging

ii) Disappointments in life which may lead to self esteem issues

iii) Sense of security

iv) Sick and tired of the 'systematic' life (eg. pri>sec>tertiary education) where they may yearn to be out of the 'trap.



I do agree totally that the school, police and most importantly the family (parents) need to pay extra attention to their needs and the things they face in life. As parents, we always place our expectations on our children what we want from an 'authoritative' position but not befriend and understand what and how they look at life.



When our children go the 'wrong way', we may blame the school having 'such students' who may lead them astray. We blame them for mixing out with the wrong group of people. But how often do we stand in their shoes and look at what they are yearning for from deep within.



And most often than not, we did not realize that the more we refrain children from one thing, the more they may want to try it, out of curiosity maybe.



So I do believe that the 1st and most important step in our life is to share our life with our children as friends and guide them as a friend may do and thus this may solve many of the issues.

_______________________________________



I've noted some comments as saying the teens are 'with no brains'. I would like to defend against this. When we were younger during our teenage years, do we not know what pain is? Teenagers these days are jolly well know what pain is and the consequences of slashing/killings (the reason why they hide is evident enough that they know).



The reason why they still did what they did was in the heat of the issue, they just 'wanted things their way'. Put in a way, it is due to their age and understandings in life where they have issues balancing their actions and emotions and that is the reason why parents these days need to befriend them. But I'm not against the rod when necessary though, as even friends do hit at times under special circumstances.

Answer 57

I guessed CIDs are not doing enough these days, i,am not sure CID still conduct random checks to the school, poly & ite.

when i was a student during the 80s, CID used to visit the school to conduct checks and show pictures of gang members being slashed, the picture reviewed the organs came out from the gang member,s stomache after being slashed by choppers. This will send a strong signal to the gang member that they will be next one if they joint a gang.

They also indentified and question those students who were trouble makers and those student who were identified by school teacher as trouble makers will be refered to the CID (not the police) silently during CID visits. This will save lots of lives, before things happened.



Show more bloody pictures and prison life in school, not just A , O or N level. Maybe principle today also lean back, only result result more result?? No result meaning stupid?

Answer 58

Basically, it should provide some sort of education "Law" in kindergarden or primary till legal age of 18 and emphasize on contents & consequences



I feel this happens could be due to the list of points below:-



1. Lack of understanding & education on the Singapore law in education

2. Streaming in primary & secondary is the cause which make young children give up hope & education Anyway, once all this young Singaporean step out of the society will contribute to Singapore in different ways.

3. Educate principal, teacher and parents of how to handle students or children. It should not be measure only on results but also personality.

4. Cancel all CCA on weekends to allow parents have time with the kids in order to make up loss time due to working stress. Parents bonding is very important



Which one is important? this no way to measure except to feel.

Answer 59

The family structure in modern times is breaking down. Children are not getting the love and appropriate guidance/discipline at home. Many families, though intact, are dysfunctional. Many couples are husband-and-wife in name only and there are those families who do nth but quarrel/fight all day. Some may have abusive relationships at home...Also, I think Singapore is too competitive, overly focusing on academic acheievements. Kids who can't catch up thus end up wif low-self esteem. No problem arises becos of a simple single factor. It's usually a combination of reasons which are accumulated over time.

Answer 60

I don't think youth violence is increasing recently but had been gone unnoticed or ignored as no death had occurred before. Things had just gone from bad to worst.

The government had done a very good job in the older days wiping off those secret society or gangs off the streets. So what had happened?Did the System went backward? Why are these gangs are allowed to surface again, and worst; now they are munipilating our younger genaerations to commit whatever crime they can think of,cos they know the law doesn't punished the juvenile or minor!

I believe, wiping all these secret gangs of the streets is the best way of keeping our younger generations safe and sound.

In my opinion,having too many shopping centers and theatres around schools and HDB housing are bad,these distrations are encouraging those minors to "hang-out" after schools hour instead of staying at home.

Answer 61

Because Singaporeans are so indifferent, we let them get away with it. Public passivity is the main cause. It's not just education or the media or parents, the whole of society has a part to play in this, and all of us individually make up society. Everyone needs to be more involved in the places where we live or work. If we see something inappropriate happening, we must take action collectively and not turn a blind eye.

Answer 62

BTW once there are a gang of youngster making alot of noise at void deck during midnight at Hougang I call the police but when the police came they tend to talk to the gangster but instead of the gangster move away they shouted at the police men to my surprise the policeman move backwards and I made another call to the police post and get help for the police officer on duty there. It is time the police be firm to the gangster start sweeping them now before it is too late. If the few recent cases was not handle properly and given max charges it will encourage more youngster to join the secret society.

Answer 63

1. Fathers - Take deliberate interest in your children's life. Even more so, if they are boys.

2. Mothers - Work 'alongside' with fathers and discuss, mutually agree on parenting.

3. Parents - 'Outsourcing' character development to schools is a wrong expecation. Character is built at home, school is a ground where character is tested not created.

4. Parents - Reward the old fashioned way. Not tech gadgets but hand made greeting cards. Don't email ur kids, write a post it note etc.,

5. Parents - Holiday plans:- Focus on exposing kids to hardship, poverty etc., i.e., holiday to enjoy and also witness kids to life of kids elsewhere. Its not always Europe tours, asia's got lot to teach.



List can go on......bottom line is INVEST time in Children, every other investment is secondary.

Answer 64

This is a curse of a modern city like Singapore. The rising cost of living leaves parents with no choice but work to bring home the bacon. The price that comes with it is parents spend less time with their children leaving them at the mercy of being exposed to unwholesome materials from the media (Mediacorp is one of the biggest culprits in the entertainment industry) and peer pressure. There is no quick solution to the youth problem. The issues with dysfunctional homes and broken marriages must be addressed in order to fundamentally deal with the youth problem.

Answer 65

With today high standard of living; both parents have to work & most are not staying with their grandparent therefore lack guidance. Children are often left to maid,on their own or with friends etc. Modern parents due to businessess,stress, high standard of living also give birth to 1 to 2 children as a result they over compensate their guilt of not spending time with them by giving them gifts & spoiling them rotten ;thinking they are still young to incalculate any value. But as time goes, they become beyond parental control becos' the children failing to get the attention & love from parents turn to "friends." These "friends" are oftern with them & give them a sense of belonging which they probably not felt at home. They therefore listen to whatever their " friends" tell them or want them to do with no sense of right or wrong. I believe the the GOVERNMENT SHOULD DESIRE A SOCIETY WITH A HOLISTIC/BALANCE LIFESTYLE and not aggressively pushing UP PRICE throught PROPERTY/GST/TRANSPORT OR BASIC LIVING NEEDS which can cause a SPIRAL PRICE INCREASE that makes the society stressing out to earn a decent living & having a balance family social life. The MINISTERS/MINISTRIES, please have more family proactive policies & not just saying, "not good at 75% & aim for 100%." If you need to aim, you must know what? Perhaps Singapore lacks Nobel Laurates,International Sports Gold,Creativity Gold etc ,should therefore provide the resources & planning for these & not aim blindly. The CID & Police inview of the current situation, has to do more rounds in the malls etc & not allow gangster group to form before death,injury occurs.

Answer 66

It is not about who is right or wrong, modern society is such taht both parents have to work to maintain the family, such ntaht youngsters are not guided, schools are not allowed to punish with cane, police are not allowed to be tought with these kids, so they grow up infleuence by ppl and movies, want to be a hero but they did not realise that hero always die young. the 70,s and 80's schoold do public caning , police are tough on street hooligans, now parents object to caning, police cannot be tough on hooligans, it become a vicious cycle and the youngsters starts to take advantage of the situations. have u seem a movie where a police go around shooting all the bad fellows to the exrtend that the city becomes peaceful? is this what we want for our future gen Y?

Answer 67

Having lived through the fifiies and sixties era, I feel that the rampant tattooing these days amongst the young could be a source that contributed to todays youth violence. The police should use the same treament that they gave the gangsters of the yester years.

Answer 68

The punishment is too light and not enough to deter them. I am refering to punishment for minors (below 18 years). They belong to Secret Society and punishment is 3,4 5 or even 10 years of imprisonment is really nothing. In fact, they are more encouraged to kill after their release. At all, they will be less than 30 years old. Also, by this kind of "light" imprisonment up to 10 years, will only make them a hero when they come out. What I am saying is that laws for this type of crime should have a different punishment, and this is to drive the message across to their followers. This is just my opionion.

Answer 69

Earning a living in Singapore is so hard and parent had to work hard for $$$ so nowdays couple prefer only 1 kid and what they want, they just shower them with... During baby time, what they do, parent will think is cute/adorable... ever scold or talk back elderly or parents in cute tone, those "stupid " parent will also think they are cute... But did they really think of their future?? if they correct them since toddler time, do you think youth will become so violence??? Those "Stupid" parents are just making their kid think that it's a no big deal and make them get used to it and by the time when those "stupid" parents can't control and want them to change, do u think those kids can???? Toddler sometimes make a fuss or angry is indeed cute and adorable but as parents this is our job to correct them and not let them be... At young age can scold their own parents then when stepping outside, i think they dun even bother cos outsiders is just a peanut to them.

Answer 70

maybe the police is needed to do more on foot patrol, during those day in the 80s n early 90s police officer were since on foot patrol at almost all the HDB estates due to that there were less Streets gang at the HDB estates. Now i hardly see any police officer around. i hope this were not be the case that when u see a police officer then u know there were trouble. Police officer are needed in the heartland to mingle around the public that way they can get 1st hand feedback by the resident and to tackle the gang issue.

Answer 71

I've always believed that as a society processes upwards, the family structure and social structures of communication start to change. It is becoming more vital that Singapore government shouldn't just focus on encouraging singaporean couple to have more babies. In fact, they should focus hand-in-hand on parental education and how to bring a child up into the society properly.



There exist still a large group of Singaporeans who are poorly educated and still holds onto old fashion mindsets of bringing up children. Example, threatening to stop loving them if their child don't listen or do as told; using vulgar languages in front of children; exhibit violence or anger in front of children. These are some of the bad forms of education.



So, if there is a ruling that all parents are to attend parental education classes for a period of 4 months, I think it will greatly benefit the future generation of Singaporeans.

Answer 72

Youth violence starts in schools, yes,even from primary schools. Schools are now very lax in discipline. Students openly threaten and beat up teachers and even principals.Sadly, these are not reported in the press.All these are due to the cowardice of some people who are afraid to wield their power. They are mollycoddling ruffians and thugs in the making.These rogues are not afraid of the police anymore.They even make fun of the police.My suggestion is that there must a trained caner in every cluster who should visit schools on rotation to cane these youth thugs. There must be fear in these thugs to stop them from being violent.This fear of the law is now lost. Authorities are now clowns for these thugs.Parents who condone their children's thuggish acts must be fined and even jailed to teach them a lesson.If this problem is not nipped in the bud, Singapore will become another United Kingdom.

Answer 73

Reason for the rise in youth violence.

1) Law protect the under age . so gang leader use them .It start at school time . I remember during my school days , on several occasion the school gang represention approach me to join his group for protection . I brought it up to my parents , they were very scared and I stress them as they are worried informing police . But i was fortunate as i came from Big family with full of brothers within the same school .so gangs excuse us as they know it will be a tough attempt .

2)Our law are relax with under age . We should change the law ,starting even from 15 yrs old to face the gall ow . then you see what will happen , parent , brother ,sister all will wake up .

3) Police need to do regular spoke checks . when i was young , police do random checks and that will prevent people from carrying parangs ,chopper etc.

4)Law should pass sentence to all who involve in the murder as along as weapon are used . this will prevent gang formation using arms.

5)Sentence should passed immediately to tell all new young gangster the consequences they will face , But instead our system keeps dragging too long until it becomes stale news and forgotten and worst is only one or two faces the death sentence and the rest escape with few years jail terms.

Answer 74

Parents should face the reality and start controlling their kids, set a curfew or something for them to be back home at a certain time, I see teens who are not more then 15 or 16 hanging out in the middle of the night,that's not good,what are they doing outside at that time? At void decks,parks and etc. And what is the Government doing?? You also can see alot of youngsters in and around the Geylang red light areas,you can clearly see that they are up to no good, the government must do something about this, will it?

Answer 75

As the standard of living in Singapore is rising, so does the people need to work harder to make ends meet. As such a lot of couples are both working leaving their child to the maids or grandparents. This leads to a lack of family bonding and discipline. The children nowadays are alone at home during day time and being bored, they turn to their friends for company. And if they mixed with bad companies, you get these slashing incidents.



As a teacher myself, even when i want to discipline my students or teach them how to differentiate between right and wrong, I am limited by overprotective parents who blame teachers or the school or even MOE for anything that happens to their children. When we discipline students for being late to school or activities, we are too harsh. When we punish students for not doing homework, we are stressing them too much.



So from all fronts, the students are not able to learn how can they carry themselves properly, they are not able to learn the social norms and how to behave appropriately. So what else can they turn to? Internet and TV, which is like ten times worse.

Answer 76

We have to look back at the way each generation was brought up.I'm in my 40s.I have 2 teenage kids.I was brought up in a very strict environment where you report to your parent whatever you do and wherever you go.We fail to do so,we get canned or slapped.

In school,if we are punished by the teacher,we do not report the incident to our parents knowing we will be punished by them for getting into trouble.That kind of fear taught many of us how to be discipline.Today,teachers have their limitations and parents are more vocal.Communication between parents and kids have changed so much that they send more sms to parents then talking to them in person.Today's society,I think parents should take a more stricter stand as far as kids are concern.We are in a competitive society.We just have to put in extra effort to monitor our kids and make them feel they are being watched by us.Our parents ' not sparing the rod formula did not fail.I believe this formula should be followed before we see more of this spreading problems across other malls.

Answer 77

Lack of parental guidance and the image of the police. The police had over the years changed its image from that of a strict disciplinarian to that of "the police is your friend". The emphasis on the soft approach to discipline, counselling etc lead to "bo chap" or indifferent attitude to discipline. If schools were to adopt a tough stand with MOE not merely paying lip service and the police coming down hard on recalcitrants, including taking parents to task, the situation may improve. For a start we need a no nonsense Home Affairs Minister not one who is good at giving excuses and is afraid of losing public support and votes.

Answer 78

Nope its not on the rise...its been happening for years, its only recently that it was highlighted.

Anderson had their stabbing case last year, Bishan MacDonald's had gang attacks a few years back, Peirce Sec had a girl stabbed a few years back, Sin Ming area had gang violence for years between rival gangs. Kuo Chuan had their school spray with rival gang colours. St Andrews had their fair share of gang violence. When i was teaching here in Ang Mo Kio, Bowen use to stage regular fights with Mayflower Sec. There are so many gang activities around that the schools actually send selected teachers to be trained by the police with warrant to arrest. Majority of Deyi students are in one gang or another.

So please dont tell me its recent. So many complains and reports are made to the police and yet both the schools and police are still finding hard to stop gang activities.

Answer 79

This is the parents upbringing methods. Singapore is getting richer and Singaporeans has a kind of mentality to earn more money to cover for the rainy days. Lack of discipline, coaching and communication with the kids will lead to all kinds of problems. In olden days, parents tend to use cane to discipline the kids and nowadys, you seldom see such motion. The parents should educate the kids with confucius spirit and get them to read confucius teachings. This will widen their knowledge, increase their understanding of true lives and easier to blend into the society with little probles coz people are more harmony and help one another is confucius teachings.



If the parents do not understand confucius teachings or the basic human respect, there is no one to blame except themselves. If their kids are in trouble, it will be too late. No matter how rich you are, without basic respect and discipline, you are the poorest in life and will bring bad images/examples to their kids.



So, Parents should set good examples and teachings for their kids to follow and bring harmony among community to widen the peacefulness, friendship and understanding. If every parents is able to achieve that, such things will not be happening and this is nobody faults except your own. Everyone should be responsible for their own actions and not shifting away from it. Face reality and be responsible for the mistakes each of us will commit. Always remember, everyone has a choice and the decision is yours.

Answer 80

Well, its more or less expected in singapore after staying 2 years in singapore. Why? ask the parents.

How many of these parents really, really grow up together with their children? Do these parents know that every child is an individual?? These children need love, care and nurture the moment they are born. How many of these working mothers willing to do that??

Taking children for holiday overseas with double income is merely to satisfy the 'materialistic' satisfaction of parents.

As babies, they were taken care by maids or others except the parents. I had seen with my own eyes how a child ran towards a young working mother at around 5.30pm. I was expecting the mother to hug the child if not carrying her for a while. Instead I saw her avoiding any contact with the child and asked her maid to carry the child...if it was in my neighborhood i won't hestitate to tell the young mother off. What would you feel if you are rejected?? With constant rejection since young, how would you react??

Answer 81

Personally I think there are 3 areas of concerns over here in SG.



1. Family recognition

2. School responsibility

3. Law enforcer issue



Family recognition :



This could be due to both parents have to work in order to provide the daily necessities and the well being of the family. I have to raise the concerns over this, we cannot blame the parents for trying their best to provide end needs. This is partly the issue of the government, look at the housing cost, the education cost and also the health medica cost. The more you are encouraging and supporting for foreign talent, you have almost forgotten about us the fellow SGP. We are the one who work hard and stay with the country since our grand-parents era. You can't deny the fact that we do contribute to the well being of SG. We are the home grown and this is where our root is. Have you take into consideration of providing a better means for us the home grown SGP?? No, what we are seeing as each day goes by are on topics in invitiing more FT and how valuable they are. Housing, medical and education etc are all adjusting to those FT. We are not complaining about those FT but we are giving feedback on how neglected we are to fend for alot of things. I am not asking the government to provide everything, but please do mark the standard about the home grown SGP not those thoe migrants or even those FT. In many ways, you have degraded us the SGP and also making life much harder to fend for. Don't go grumbling about low birth rate and SGP being choosy etc. But where is the committment or the sincerity? SGP don't feel a sense of belonging and how do you expect the younger generation to have such homely recognition?





School Responsibility :



Although we cannot put the blame onto the school for not doing their part in educating the students. But look at how the schools are run now and compare it with schools 10-15 years ago. It such a big gap, stop using the excuse of the technology era and everything has to advance. Look at those schools, the teachers are no longer that prepared to serve as a soul shaping personnel anymore. They were mainly there to get a salary and "who cares about those kids" are the words that I have heard on trains or onboard the bus in SG. Those were some comments from the "teachers" we are getting / having in the current educational systems. It is also your responsibity on how can the student/s can cope with their studies and how to make the topic more interest to them ! But now schools are striving for production and neglected the basic of education. You job and the whole educational system is to help in shaping a better human being and letting this person to join the society. Not just getting your school "aggregate score" !!! If you are unable to ensure the student/s able to comprehend their work and the courses which they are taking, it also your failure. You are not sure how to communicate or rather you are only there to spend time waiting for your pay day???



Law enforcer issue :



This although has been left as the last but it the most serious which I considered it to be. You know that since the republic has been instated or before it, there were already gangs issues in SG. Over the years, what has been done?? Gangs are still out there, threats that endangers the lifelihood of all SGP still exist. Yes, we are not able to prevent all crimes or incidents, but I am sure we can suppress and eradicate gangs!!! We are talking about Singapore , a place which is lest than 750 km sq. We are not like the Europe, Japan or event the other continents. We don't have MOB, MAFIA or YAKUZA that is running / feeding the parliament members??? We are SG, the country that is supposed to have ensure SGP of our existence and our value. The place that we grew up and the place we fight for!! It is that simple , with the numbers of police patrol diminishing and the crime rate climbing. Oh, that goes to show our need for the enforcer? Your job is not to run around to act like all you know after a crime or a fatal incident has taken place. But rather, be more pro-active ( the government is talking about the advance era ). Do your part to get rid of those gangs from the root and not just act like a normal GP who detected "oh you are having a stomach issue, let me give you this medication". Please do a overhaul by checking everything to the max!!! Now we have knife wielding group of people and are we expecting to have gun fighting warriors soon?? Please do something critical about it before we were all killed.





Those written above are just personal opinion and it does not represent anyone / party. Therefore, please do not speculate or mis-interpret any of the contents.

Answer 82

Discipline!



It is neglected at home. Parents do not have time or shirk their responsibilities.



In schools, they try to instil discipline but back off when parents complain to MOE and their MPs. Our ministries just do not have the backbone to stick up to their policies vs the vote. Discipline deteriorates further. Even worse is that the wrong values are imparted to the young.



The police? Don't blame them. They too have their hands tied with all the apple polishing and pleasing their bosses. All ministries seem to be going this way. i.e. too PR oriented and one complain sets the whole department into crisis mode.



In short, we are all to blame for the current state of affairs.

Answer 83

The up bringing of a child is important. The living standard today requires both parents to work thus spending valuable time with their children is greatly reduced. This has some how affected the child who seeks companion and advice from the wrong influence.

Answer 84

It's because parents are too soft on their kids. Parents that are 'educated' tend to think that they can use a 'reasoning' approach to their kids, which works only for some who mature faster than the others. From the young days, if you don't take care of your kid, seeds of misconducted will be planted. This will be harder to get rid off as time goes by.



I'm sorry parents, but in my opinion, you are to blame. You restrict teachers in schools from punishing your kids, you say that your kids can be 'reasoned' with, you refuse to beat your kids - this is how things get out of hand. Think back - how did WE learn as we grow up? How did we become decent members of society? We had the canning to remind us of what is wrong. We had teachers who would go out of their way to punish us when we do something wrong. Where do you see that today? Think about it. It isn't about "I know what it feels like to be beaten by my parents (I don't mean abusively), so I'm not gonna do it to MY kids". Well, why do you think that the saying in Chinese "Your kids won't grow up if you don't beat them" has been along for so long?

Answer 85

As experience by myself, our sociaty is getting too soft towards what is happening around us. The best way is very simple. Just get the intellegent agency to mingle with the so call gansters and come down hard on them. Bring back those good old days of red berrets making a sudden attack on them. This will instill a certain degree of fear on them. If we were to report a group of teenagers creating nuisance in an area, the police will come but just take down notes only. No further action is recorded. In those old days the red berrets are treated as ganster head and no body dare to offend them. They will come down hard on you to make sure you will not repeat the same mistake.

Answer 86

Gangs lure youths to be a member by handing out exclusive items and as well as offering "guaranteed protection". Once you're in, you are forced to be a loyal member or face some undesired consequences. Also shops are selling objects such as knifes, parangs etc which can be bought very easily on the display shelves.

Answer 87

As a country progress and society pressures set in, the youth will tend to rebel. The only deference is the use of parangs and choppers at such an extent. Every one has to chip in to help the youth and not just the relevant authorities.

Answer 88

Youths are brought up by parents from the time they were small children till they are near adulthood. Along this path of growth, their lives get to encounter various situations both sad and happy ones. They experienced frustration, jealousy, anger and love. Each of this, will have its effect on their growing minds.

Parents must be aware of such. How will parents know about such? I believe the schools do not teach growing kids about parenting and leadership skills, for they expect the parents to do this. Now we hear that parents are too busy earning their keeps therefore could not spare such time for their children to teach them this. In the end it becomes no-body's business and the new generation of parents bring up families into this world is without the faintest idea what it will be like to have family with proper values.

We have become more materialistic with all the goodies in our shops and markets, temptation grows. We learn to use high speed communications and gains knowledge on how to communicate faster than our forefathers ever imagined possible. Taking still pictures and video becomes so easy for individuals with just their hand phones or cheap and affordable cameras. But these 'good' things can become bad if not used with right minds or intentions and the young minds gets corrupted.

Our human chemistry make us learn, yearn and copy from one another to gain satisfactions and gratifications through materials and information around us and the urge keeps on growing just like the drugs that some have addicted themselves to. The eventuality of these brings sufferings and regrets not only to the person but their loved ones as well.

We then ask, how come some of us do not fall into such situations? The answer is perhaps because of the strict parenting, limited resources and no supports from outsiders. We were more obedient then when we are left to our parents control. Some say such parenting methods are bad, but what then is good if you allow children to be influenced by peers when they starts their schooling ages. When a child is exposed into a precarious situation and tempted, one of the most basic instinct for survival in the human kind is to try, take risk and when possible take advantage through lying or give excuses. Such characteristics are unknown to some parents and this is how some children takes advantage of their parents. But sadly, these children are also influenced by bad characters making use of them for their pleasures. This is where all the gangs, rapes and underage sex begins.

The probable answers for all these will be strict laws and enforcement. Lack of policing and enforcement makes such buggers bolder in their activities. Lets not plead for their leniency as they have intentions to spill blood so they must receive what they deserved according to the Law.

Answer 89

Personally, i would not post question as to why youth violence arising nowaday? Both above incidents are/were closely relates to Secret Society. I cannot imagine there are still mouse/mice running across the street with parang as if nobody business despite our enforcement is real tight and assume to be secure. I hope that the Honourable Justice place real hard on whoever (regardless mere teenagers and/or young adults) who commits crime, i.e. Murder.

Answer 90

there are many truths being shared already by many readers already. In addition, it could be the stress level of economic expectations and development that is being artificially manipulated that makes it iimpossible for most youths to cope with the ideal educational expectations. When they are streamlined and not given the opportunity to cultivate their talent, they then create a new culture for themselves to earn thier own form of rrespectabilityand accountability.



Perhaps, the government should find ways in allowing eeducation to take its course with these youths so that self-esteem and self worth could be build up. Economic development and ccareer oopportunities are not set by parents and that is why government are elected to provide security, rresponsibilityand aaccountability

Answer 91

Adolescence is a time of discovering oneself. It is the period in one's life where you are no longer a child but you aren't an adult yet. It is the time when you look for your identity and set yourself apart from your parents. Most people turn out alright but there will always be some who couldn't quite get it and use violence as a means of self-expression. It could also be a learnt behaviour from adults in the family.

Answer 92

Are Singaporeans getting too lenient with their kids or simply do not want to bother???



I was trained by my parents that they do not tolerate violence and if they can't train me, let the law teach you...this has been instilled in my minds and we know the consequences...



Do the kids nowadays know what is consequences???Don't blame education cos education can only do their best to bring up the kids in terms of intelligence...moral education I always feel should lie on the parents..cos parents are more liable on the disciplinary of the child...



Should we also punish parents together with the child should the child gets into trouble...wake up call perhaps???if the parent do not have time for the child, then a wake-up call could be the way to force parents to re-think that they also have another responsibility besides their work...



Be tough to kids....giving them too much face and liberation will not bring them up to the next generation...if they can disregard their parents, what will happen if they go to the society??? that is why how you respond at home, it will have a direct impact on how you talk or behave in public???



Send all those who is convicted of gang activiites to Dentention barracks (army style)....that is worse than going to Prison....If soft methods do not work, then make them labor...see how tough can they last???



Discipline in yourself will determine on how would you succed in your future??? If they want to destroy their future, then lock them up indefinitely till they have decided that this is the wrong route and deserve a second chance...i think that the government should have this rule of locking someone up indefinitely till they have reform so that when we bring "FEAR" to people's mind of going to "HELL", they will think twice of doing something drastic...



Though we should always give a second chance to someone, the "offender" must first be ready to change, then will we have less problems in the streets....for repeat offenders, we have to be tougher to them cos they have to earn their third or fourth or fifth chance to belong back to the society

Answer 93

Family values and moral education comes from home. Most of these youths came from different bkgrd some can be from a well off & educated family, some may be frm complex family but what make these youths willingly to get involved is bcoz they lack the attn & understanding from their parents and most of all they r searching for a sense of belonging. Even though we adult went through our teens but as most parents we failed to deliver the basic values and morals to our children, thats why we c public affection display in trains & void decks and gang fights. As social circle expand with internet & facebk , it is inevitable that these teens will mix around with different frenz frm all walks of life. It is much easy to control your child when they r in their primary school. As when they enter secondary these is where the changes began. Close monitor to the frenz they mix with is important, highlight yr child how to make judgement in their social circle and everyday make a pt to talk or chat with yr child. A lot of parents lacks the patience & understanding the 1st word tht came frm their mouth is repremanding, listen to wht yr child needs to say b4 u make yr conclusion. Handling teens is totally different frm handling primary sch kids. Violence & Scolding do not works on them but will only make them even more rebellious.

Answer 94

I am a parent with 4 kids. As a young parent, I also hired maid to run the household chores and taking care of children. Both young parents are at work to keep up with balancing work and home plus income worth! Still parenting is our main priority! Weekends are devoted to family outings,movies,jogging and makaning. Spread out a good time table to let kids get use to sleep early at 9 pm so that they will grow up not interested to go out after 9pm plus. This has helped us over the years. After 16 years, they are accustomed to sleep at 9pm plus. Now we are handling teens and not kids anymore, but to share the concerns for teens violence...check out their networking of friends on their facebook or mobile could be helpful. Hope also that policing around heartlands can be revived via bicycling or foot patrol where the neighbourhood can be made more safe. Limit their TV/movies to appropriate ones too! Be prepared to provide appropriate explanations to teens on your restrictions too. As teens, they do not listen but they could evaluation your explanation. Any dropout students from schools at all levels should have a mentor to nurture them, send retired policemen if possible to bring them to the right company or other retired prison personnel.

Answer 95

Firstly, it begins at home, bring up of children. Secondly, school also plays a important roll and in educating the child/student. Lastly, the law also need to be very strict with teens gangs and taking control over them. Secret Society among teens is very high.



Teens gangs have to be nip at the roots if not when it grows it will hard to control and sometimes too late.

Answer 96

The answer is simple. The Singapore Police Force had gone soft on these gangsters. Do away with passive education. It won't work! Punitive measures are a form of education. Stop wasting tax payers' money on useless education. Punish the culprits and you drive home the message immediately. Society must not tolerate these social outcasts. Remove their constitutional rights and strike fear into them. Shame their families and apply social pressure on them. They will then conform. Freeze their assets. "No money how to be gangster??"

Answer 97

Yes, I am in the sixties.... I agree and witness that violence has risen. I believe it also due to the law that has been protected. I remember during my younger days when traids on hearing 'riot squad' they feared the most. Why? cos they have the power to teach these cowards a lesson in the 'red bus' itself.... And now quess what? they are protected by the law, they are untouchable, they will sue you for abuseing of power and what not. Bring back the 'ang char' with full of authority and see how brave they are... Those of my generations will definitely agree. Maybe this generation will not know.. what is 'Riot Squad'

Answer 98

There can only be one explanation for this - Lack of parental guidance. As a parent, it is their duty to be aware of the lives of their children. Parents need to be active in a child's life in order for the child to resist issues such as peer pressure. I mean, if a parent is there to guide and answer the questions of their child, a child, knowing full well the difference between right and wrong, would not make stupid decisions in their lives. Peer pressure can be easily prevented as long as you have a strong set of morals backing you up. Being weak in your own beliefs makes you vulnerable to peer pressure.

Once again, to parents out there, it's not that hard. Just talk to your children. Be there for them, and let them know that you ARE, there for them. Ensure that they don't stray too far off the road.



But I'll be honest here, not all parents have strong moral values guiding them. Education plays a very important role here as well. The list goes on.

Answer 99

Recently I visited Singapore with my wife, and seen no smile on any of the Singaporean youth. I wonder what it was and always discuss with my wife the difference between Singapore and other places of the world. You can see the clear signs of worry on the young faces. This may be from the high cost of livings, and I am sure this may be one of the reasons of their frustrations. Work, earn and pay to the government in shape of high billings, and not having enough to enjoy life.

Answer 100

Youth violence can go up or down depending on how many are left unloved, unwanted, disrespected and unable to find their way forward in our confused and abusive world. Disengagement is central to the problem of such human beings, and none of us should provide motherhood answers, quick theory to judge and offer nothing genuine to help in their situations. MPs should have the courage to visit these families offer real help to those living in areas most of their own GRL would not want to visit.

Answer 101

What further exacerbates the situation is that many foreigners are not culturally adjusted before they are allowed into the country. We have foreigners strolling when they should be walking fast, or stopping in the middle of a busy thoroughfare and chatting, talking at the top of their voices in enclosed spaces. Are you stressed out just from reading this? I bet you may even have the urge to reach out and touch someone... and not in a friendly way at that.

Answer 102

Government also share the responsibilities to this issue, why? see below;



Government - globalisation, competition, workload increase, every expenses increase, salary never increase, working stress which couple have to work to cope the family expenses,



Family - due to increasing expenses in daily usuage, work have to be even harder, family tend to pay more attention to their work cause lose of rice bowl, they are gone case. When both parent back, they are already half dead, no time to bother much about their kids.



media and games - since government already know violent bring harm, why still boardcast them? So does it family problems or governement problem who brought out this problems?



Kid - been left alone, parent working, no one take care of, so the blind lead the blind, left the damage unrepaired, kid gather for new fun, abortion occur, fighting occur...etc



parent busy working, teacher busy teaching, no one at home to guide them, whose at fault ??



there is no such thing as father go work earn money where mother stay home guide the children.



haiz.....

Answer 103

Find the leads, where they come from? Easy recruitment, look at all the shopping centres. Students in uniform gathers in the arcades.

Try visiting one in the afternoon between 2 to 5pm. They have became an easy target for gangs recruitment. Ask anyone of them, they speak English, not all the old days gangsters, 'I nor nor'.

Sad that the government & police are nopt doing anything\.

Answer 104

Everyone is to blame. Government, Police, Parents, Teachers, Public.

No point argue so much about this. Action is more important.

I suggest that Police come up with a hotline for the general public to call in and tip-off the police, if they suspected that their friends, relatives, classmates, and even neighbours who could be a secret society member.

Answer 105

I think media also quite important. Currently, there is a hokkien show " Love" on channel 8. Since like most of the rich old men with status are all gangster (collecting money from the poor). The story is nice, but, I think this show is not so good for teenages. The bad people in the show are very very bad and good ones a bit stupid, dunno how to differential the bad ones.

Answer 106

These youths had mixed with the wrong company way back before it can be stopped. The mentally had over-control them by lots of negativity and anger. Whenever their wish or demand is not full-filled, they will start to retaliate to show unhappiness and throw anger to anyone they can find. It is totally unfair to those who are innocent as they are the victims to these slashing incidents. If they were to be a father one day, and their children were to be one of the innocent victims, will they be happy to see? I'm afraid not. Parents, please pay much attention to your children whereabouts and the circle of friends. Don't busy with your career and position too much. Work when you are needed and when time to spend time with FAMILY, make useful of them time. Keep your hand phone at home. Don't neglect your responsibilities as a mother to your kids. Know how to make love, know how to take care of the situation.

Answer 107

Society is the cause.



Singapore is renowned for being civilised, prosperous in our economy and have a good MOE and government. However due to the rising expectations in education and jobs, teens and young adults will tend to act out, which could possibly lead them to self-destructive behaviour patterns; self-harm, drugs, robbery and even murder.



[1]This means that they are not ready to set out into life because they receive inadequate guidance from family and educators. OR [2]Certain events can lead them to distrust others who try to help these people such as bullying, family issues, constant berating from teachers, this leads them to social isolation as well.



The reasons can be both. Social society/ sociology is a big issue. Even with talks concerning sociology, sometimes those with severe issues of social inadequacy will not listen. They require professional help, however some parents deny such things and those in need of help fear that professional help will make them more isolated and feel like outcasts.



In any case, society is partly responsible for such things. As Singapore raises its expectations in education and job requirements, teens and young adults will without a doubt will act out as they feel inadequate in life and lead them down a self-destructive path, as i have said before.



It is not 100% the individual's fault, sure they make wrong decisions but people fail to ask WHY they are doing this, as in what factors led them to make such decisions. That is what i am addressing.

Answer 108

I Seriously do not agree with the views of many here .



The current system in Singapore have lead many young adults like me to strive hard and allow us to understand the value and importance of Money .We grow up doing what we want to do , instead of what we should do . We choose our own path in life . Many times While having my lunch in malls , I hear aunties talking about the morally failed society. Kids having premarital sex , disrespect to elders etc.. In the past , people respect whoever is older ( Imagine you have to respect some grand uncle of yours who is a heroin addict) , today we are different we respect only those that deserve respect .These days in Singapore , you see young adults trading in the stock exchange discussing in forums about money making opportunities with many starting their own firms etc .. In you era what were you guys taught to do?To be hardworking and lead a simple lifestyle get a job work hard for your company and hopefully retire in a small house .Many of the older generation followed that path that eventually lead to financial destruction ( This was told to me by an businessman in his 40s , on the pain when starting his business)



Due to the nature of my job I met many successful young adults who made their Millions before 30 .These are the products of our system a symbol of success to bring Singapore forward.



May I question the point on having a society which is so Morally upright but hopelessly poor ?



I am 25 this year and runs an IT company (in Singapore, KL, Bangalore and Cebu) with two other partners in their late twenties .I am proud of Singapore's system which allowed me to be who I am today .

Answer 109

Nowadays parents are busy making money and are rarely at home; thus are detached from their children, not knowing what their children are doing in their spare times. When I was a child, we lived in an area which was active in gangsterism. I used to mix with other children and indulged in gang-related activities. My parents realized that I was going in the wrong path and we moved to another quieter place. Looking back I have to thank my parents for most of the children that I used to mix in my former place ended up in prison. It is no use blaming the police and others, for we as parents have to be involved with our children, knowing what their are doing in their free time and who their friends are.

Answer 110

The answers provided by Concerned SGP is well analysed. In addition, I would like to add that gangs such as 369, Pak Hai Tong and a few others have been existing for a long time. Sometimes they meet at regular places like coffee shops and it appears like a group of friends are having a meal together and I am sure the law enforcers are aware of their existence, their territories and their hang out places. What I feel very sad about is they are always making use of young people, like students and some drop-out from schools. Recruitment can be active in school, usually by schoolmates. Many of these young people feel accepted and protected when they join a gang. Some could be victims of bully and feel safe when he has his "brothers" as protectors. It is actually very easily to stroke the ego of these young ones who innocently would support gang activities including rioting, loan shark activities, peddling of counterfeit cigarattes and even drug. Some small benefits and the feeling of achievement for running such activities without being caught would be enough to motivate these young minds to commit crimes. Many of these youths do not feel accepted in school or at home and the gang could be an alternative to them as a "family". Hence, they would go along and being made use by the gang leaders or the "old guards". I think our law enforcer has recently been more active in clamping down the activities like loan shark and that is a good achievement. However, I feel that more could be done to arrest the gang leaders and the schools have to be very vigilant to stop recruitment of gang members from schools. In Singapore, one of the most hardworking people are the social workers. However, there are more problem cases that need their care than we have sufficient social workers. Moreover, they are not sufficiently rewarded, compared to many other jobs. I think the authorities concerned should look to improve the rewards of the social workers. Parents-support groups in schools should also be roped in to help to guide some of these at-risked youths. I think NS is also good in helping a youth matures. In the past, we have SAF boy school which provided a disciplined structured environment for some of the younger boys to continue their secondary education. I think some of these youth who has drop out of schools should be mandated to enlist in NS early. A structured, disciplined environment is needed for them to instil discipline, obedience and respect for the authorities. This will keep them out of trouble and prevent them from falling prey and being made use by wicked gang leaders.

Answer 111

Behavior of toady's youth are no different from the old days.

What made it different are the social infrastructure we have today.

Home affair, social affair are all in-places.

Recent case are reflection that some of the infrastructure had been misplaced.



Now that we have 5 million population in an instant.

But our goverment remain confident.

Till something goes wrong.

The related authorities take our complaint like singing song.

Answer 112

(1) Long working hours of parents (even those who choose not to be career minded) 8am-8pm(12 hours)

(2) Technological Devices

(3) Depletion of Asian values or non-asianisation

(4) Fast food

(5) Long school hours - 7.30am-6.30.pm (11 hours)

(6) Lack of sleep for youth - 2am-6am (4 hours)

(7) No role models within family/society to look upon

(8) Decreasing of Youth volunteerism in community work- because no time.

(9) Nobody to "descilpline" - too soft approach- always "çounselling'' - too pampered

(10) Money

Answer 113

Just because you've read 2 news articles on gang fights doesn't mean youth violence is on the rise. How do you know it's not on the same figures compared to 1960s? Just because reporters report the news doesn't mean it paints the whole picture.

Answer 114

blame it on the gahmenlah.....They are the ones who should do the finding or reason for whats happening.Nowadays so difficult to see policeman on the streets.Most only stay indoor with aircondition on 24/7 but not on the street.At most in their a/c vehicle enjoying food fm mcdonald and talking among themself at carpark or along secluded alleys.And funnything is,they dont leave their car unless there's really a case then you will see them walking around!!They should walk the street,void deck or open space to see the situation.Afterall whats the use paying the miw millions and this so call voilence cannot be handle....

Answer 115

Look at the way the youth carries themselves in public and you will see that they are totally self-centred brats with no regard for common courtesy or respect for others.



If that is the common and standard mindset of the youths, than I am surprised that there is only these few incidents. There will definitely be more of such incident to come.

Answer 116

[Attention] They may feel that this is one of the ways to get attention from their parents. They feel lonely deep inside their heart.



[Pride] Being in the gang, they also feel proud as believing that they have their gang support all the times. But some of them do regret when they get older and mature. Unfortunately, their gang would threaten them, if they want to get out.



[Emotion Management] Some teenagers and young adults are unable to manage their anger. This is the reason why they tend to create trouble outside.

Answer 117

Obviously some people have been stoking the flames of teenage violence. These teens are easily susceptible to the influence of undesirables. Issues of self-esteem, identity and recognition from others also drive teenagers to seek the company of bad people.

Answer 118

From my own point of view and experience:

Its all oneself. The person himself is to be blame for all this. Even from young, from age 12 and above, they should have think the consequences of what they are doing. From my own experience, don't think I'm such a good person, so when I was about 12 years old , i started smoking mixed around with friends. got caught for stealing, vandalism. but then when i grow older, i started to think of the consequences if I do again the same thing. by the time I was about 16, I mixed with SS members, drug addict, trying to understand them by looking on their everyday life, what will happen, if I join them, and realise again the consequences, makes me think. So conclusion don't blame others, blame oneself.

Answer 119

This is mainly due to families working very hard to support economy (at the same time, neglected their children), so, many of Singapore new generation are useless.



When they are young, they commit youth violence, assaults & join gangsters.



When they are adult, they will become illegal loan shark, drugs traffickers & murderer.

Answer 120

I have been on the ground and dealt with young offenders nearly my entire working career. As a parent myself and a mother of 3, I would like to say “look at the parents". There are times after interacting with them, I feel like placing some parents 'in' and freeing the young ones. We cannot totally blame it on having to work, society or peer influence. Lets look at role modeling and guidance which begins at home. Giving a child money and material things cannot compensate care, concern, understanding and a home they want to come home to. I know of some children who get into trouble just because of the lack of positive role modeling at home. And please do not look towards teachers and schools, they are there to teach and provide a good education environment for our children, they are not baby-sitters. I would like to suggest that parents be made to attend some work-shops to improve their parenting skills. Do not wait till a child gets into trouble and then send the parents for these workshops on parenting skills. These sessions should be compulsory for all couple before the children come into the picture. It’s easier to teach a child from young and not when he/she is older. I sincerely hope that the authorities will look into this seriously and do something for of children in our society.

Answer 121

This is just the begining i think. With the situation here in Spore (govt mainly to be blamed), I think more crimes are going to evolve around Spore soon.



The rich is going to be richer, the poor are going to be poorer. Those feedbacks received so far here are mainly from average people in Spore but you have not heard the voices of the poor yet!



Be prepared for the worst to come and it is not just the youth issues but everybody including foriegn workers.

Answer 122

Example: A student who fight in school and rude to teachers. He was expel from school and was transfer to other school later. In the new school, he did the same things and was expel too. Now no more school will want this student any more. He will be sitting around the playground and start mixing with the people with same background as him. That is when the problem come. Is there any other social service provider where the school can refer this student to before expel them???

Answer 123

You have to look at the big picture -- 1.) 80% or more of our population are squeezing in their small HDB flats. The lack of space can make people, especially young people, to feel suffocated and they prefer to hang around places like Orchard Road or shopping center instead of staying at home. 2.) Our society, education system, our parent... keep on emphasising the importance of academic results, material life. 3). The bad influence of mass media -- Movies, TV programme, videos game...etc. It is a failure of our education, our parent and our country; partly the government have to be blamed.

Answer 124

As a father myself, there can only be 1 to blame - Parents. Not teachers, grandparents, law enforcers, no one else.



It is the responsibility of parents to ensure a proper upbringing of their kids. My wife and I both work long hours and we are exhausted when we reach home but still we can managed to find some time to bond with our kids. I believe many parents do not do this. they just say hi to their kids, probably pass some money to them direct or to the maid to buy some sweets/snacks from the local 7/11 or grocery. As they grow older parents just use money as a form of compensation of their time for their kids.

Answer 125

There are too much violence that we can see surrounding our youth, violence in movies, violence games on psp and internet. Our youth are too expose to all these violence and parents failed to check on them. Parents have to educate their children abt all these violence on movies & games, explain to them the consequences if they are involves with violence behaviours, what are the punishment that they will received. I'm sure no parents want their child to slash or stab anybody & likewise they also dont want their child to get slashed or stabbed either. Everything begins at home, it not solely the job of the police to handle this.

Answer 126

Singapore is such stressful life, parents always need to work and work, so time to guide and communications or with family is reducing., youngster with no attention, so only has friends who can share and talk with, and friends mixture will influence thier life..........



and also due to increase of violence movies and series being shown.





so the major problems comes from parents and group of friends they hv mix with and violence movies.

Answer 127

Parenting is one of the issues.Too much difficulties and stress which involves both money and education . Lots of teenagers nowadays could not communicate with parents when problems arise. Guidelines should be taught earlier in order to cope with them. Patience in listening to them will also help in a way.

Answer 128

Well I think that it can't be helped and can't be solved. As a teen myself, the cause is they themselves. They don't think rationally when they're influenced and they do rash decisions. Decisions that they think it's right for them, but they just don't learn. Problems like this are unsolvable. It can be controlled, but never stopped.



Just give them some time to cool down. Then they will listen. But if not, then you know what to do.



Mostly, influence from friends, family members, mutual friends, acquaintances and stuff. But over it all, they should be clever enough to think for themselves.

Answer 129

I am a mother of a primary school going boy and I see that alot of parents do indeed "Spare the rod and spoil the Child!" Alot of kids are given what they want when they want with no sense of reason or understanding. When I was growing up we were indeed never caned, but my grandmother would punish us in a way that you would not want to repeat the mistake..for instance, my sister came home late from school without asking for permission and she had to peel the ends of 2kg of Tow Gay!, saying a bad word would be soap in our mouths or worse still Chilli in the mouth! Yeah am sure some people would say oh soap or chilli in the mouth is not good for health but hey..we are all still living and kicking well into our 40s and have never forgotten the lesson!!

Answer 130

Simple reasons such as follows:

1.Our education system emphasis too much on academics not on discipline or character building.

2.Usually most parents need to work to make end meets or sustain lifestyle and poor work-life hence hardly have time for kids/family.

3.Police have not been proactive and harsh enough to act against gangs/secret society and punishment given usually very light and those came out from jail become more hardcore.

4.Those who are out from jail not accepted by society and job opportunity is very little.

Answer 131

Simple:



Remove pokemons and gokus and so called characters from TV and media. Let kids grow with Tom and Jerry, Tintin, Asterix and Obelix, Archies, etc.

Get kids to depend on reading..so the patience of getting the result is developed.

Let them sweat everyday with an activity.

Answer 132

Are they really on the rise or we actually didn't take notice?? During 90s, fights are common even at Orchard roads.. Singapore is already improving that's why when we see news like this we will be like 'wow!!!'.. In 90s we will be thinking like 'again? where?'.. Don't talk as if in Singapore this had never happened before please.. You are either lucky or born rich and stay in areas that don't have HDBs or cofeeshops around if you don't know.. Blaming or complaining doesn't helps..

Answer 133

the answer is...Our judicial system has failed....we need to have a very strict judicial system just like in the 60's & 70's. Look, during that period, those with tattoos or whatever they called, will be dealt with seriously....nowadays, even a small time so called tattoo artist can do it without anyone concern So, Mr. Policeman,wake-up and do something about it before the virus spread....

Answer 134

It might be the stresses of the society not necessarily through media that makes youths more aggressive and violent. More so, that we're in the globalization phase, youth are being more like their US counterparts. Same goes for the rest of Singapore...



Im just prepared for anything now...

Answer 135

Early exposure to violence through arcade games, PSP, computer games and television programmes. This leads to youths thinking that violence is a method to solve problems and some even thinks its cool to be violent.

Answer 136

Because ah... you see... gangs like 369 have a very good recruiting and marketing campaign. I mean, for all these decades ah, we go to the same place to recruit cheap labour for our slash and burn projects, our lion dance projects, temple medium project etc. Never change. Billiard hall ah, game arcade ah. Why? Easy target. Here the kids not so smart. You tell them "Eh, want to join my gang or not, we give you protection plus who you don't like you tell us, we whack for you"! Everyone sure got someone they don't like one what! These kids, school give up on them, father-mother don't care, Join my gang and we make a nobody like you feel like a somebody. Basic requisite is you must look "sia-lan" in long hair, smoke ciggies from the side of your lip, able to operate a sharp metal objects. Never mind you got skinny chest, we put tattoo there to draw attention away from your chest. No need what O-level, N-level. Can spew a few colourful hokkien expletives can oredi. And mind you, our hokkien expletives have not changed for over 4 decades! Why? Because we know there is a learning curve for all these "not-so-smart" punks. So there you have it. Savvy recruiting campaign by Pai-Kia Pte Ltd.

Answer 137

Children are being raised based on books written by self-proclaimed experts or witch doctors such as B. Spock rather then the time tested methods of their great grand parents. Discipline and teaching of good behavior are seen as impediments to "self esteem" and are not used with the predictable results.

Answer 138

It annoys me that when something happened than public starts blaming the police for this and that but didn't they look at the bigger picture. What role have they played before pointing fingers at others saying they lack the skill, slacking behind etc just because they think they are tax payers.

Answer 139

Most answers/comments are about parents working and not spending time with their children. If education system here in singapore is heavily subsidized by our gov, people might have more family bonding time and understanding of their own family members instead of struggling to make ends meet.

Answer 140

You have to remove the roots of Secret Society. Some of the school children are threatened to join gangs. Try reporting to police/teacher/parent, they will hurt you. They boast about their gang who are active outside, and they will not only hurt you and also your family. Once the student feels that he is no longer safe in that environment(cannot be protected by police, teacher, parent), they will make their own decision by succumbing, and joining their gangs. And once in gang, they force you to do all these crazy acts to have you slump deeper in the gang. You will rely more on them when you start having those insecurities of these anti-social behaviours.

Answer 141

The government should educate kids how to use choppers better. Normal kids won't abuse it but just for others. Stupidity can't be cured but can be alleviated to a not so disastrous level where theres no negative externalities incurred. Parents, they are the culprits who allowed or unintentionally allowed their kids to behave as such, they should be the ones to be skinned alove. And that father who booked rooms for the 4 fugitives, I wonder if he is a robber or just simply STUPID to the max to help them.

Answer 142

Parents too busy to nurture kids. Teachers too focus on grades or not enough teachers with hearts.



Many years ago, teachers were like social workers, visited homes of troubled kids at nights, to counsel the families and kids. Teachers focus more on moral values than grades.



These days, everybody focuses on wrong things.



MOE needs to employ and train more specialist teachers to handle wayward kids - many nowadays due to both parents working.



MCYS needs to train and recruit more Child Psychologists, Counsellors, etc. to specialise in Child behavioural problems. Curb them when they are young.



Please do something before they slash pple when they reach their late teens.

Answer 143

Violence is one form of expression. I don't think it is on the rise but rather we are paying attention to it now. Earlier we saw discussions on school bullies (which is a form of violence) and sabotages in freshman orientations/ birthday celebrations. Youth resorting to violence are often desperately seeking for attention. Being in a group and doing things together give them a great sense of belonging and courage. Gang leaders are taking advantage of their insecurity and leading them to do things which they would not do on their own including taking up a weapon to cause harm to others. Youths are not fully aware of the consequences and also not giving it any thought as all they want is to get a sense of belonging. We cannot eliminate violence totally but we could help keep this in check and prevent it from happening to our children/youth. No one party could shoulder this on his own, co-operation of the schools, parents, families & youth groups and the Police are needed. The Police being the law enforcer, a respectable organisation, could organise events to create awareness and also promote collaborations with the general public to combat this.

Pay attention to the emotional needs of your children from young age and provide them with a great sense of belonging so that they love to come home where they belong.

Answer 144

Yes, you feed them, provide the necessities. How about impacting values, family bonding?? Who children look upon? Of course the parents...they are the closes to them. But is the parent is a good role model? No, because do not have the knowledge how to be a good parent.

Answer 145

For the past half a century, secret society already existed.



Nowadays, Youth thought that having tattoos are macho. Due to the high standard of living, both parents are working and they are left alone.

Answer 146

I personally find that the education system is a failure ,as teens are spared with rods



moreover the parents has to be blamed as well , they had spoilt their child or children since the day day they were born.

Discipline is the right medicine

Answer 147

As the saying goes, " Get the chief " During our old days serving NSSC in the Police force.

We had lots of complains with the same old chief drunken abusive guy, and lots of reports to write.

Brought him to the old graveyard and dump him there for a night. Problems solved.

Answer 148

Too much opportunity to form gangs. Must interview all those arrested in the recent gang fights to find the common thread running among them. Only then we can tell whether they are from rich homes, poor homes, whether parents are high fliers, homemakers etc etc. until then i think it is not wise to point fingers at anyone.

Answer 149

1) Lacked parental guidance, communication and eroded values as parents occupied with work and over-emphasis in children's academic achievements.



2) What has the police been doing? These secret societiess are no longer acting "secret" but blatantly chopping people!

Answer 150

Because Standard of living keep on increasing and we parents have to work extra hard/OT to support out kids in their studies, their allowance,house holds, bills.. etc..etc.. that we have not much time at home to spent with our kids.



This world we are living in now only talk about Money, Money & Money.. nothing else. So young kids these days only ask for Money, Money & Money from their parents to go out play. So as time goes and they make some bad friends that teach them drugs, smoke, fighting...etc..etc. Then one fine day they got into a fight and someone got killed (bad luck).



So who are to be blame??? These WORLD we are living in us PARENTS or our KIDS?

Have your say.

Answer 151

It is interesting to note that once Wong Kan Seng took over, youth violence starts rising? With 2 prominent gang fights ending with one death and one seriously injured.. Hmm... which one is better? A top terrorist escape or gangsters activites?

Answer 152

In my opinion, environment is the cause ...for my case, i used to get angry a lot because of the violence in my family and sometimes because of bullies in class. My home has a lot of violence..shouting and screaming...siblings literally fight without caring about the damage(and use anything to hit each other), i get picked on a lot by class bullies and because of that I get more angry easily and would mercilessly beat anyone who makes me angry. Its the environment in which the child grows up in that affects what they do.(Home and at School...or where ever they hang out at)

Answer 153

I think as parents e should be more attentive to our children behaviour and activities. I think some parents worked so hard to provide the best for the family. While doing this, they at times forget to get to know their children needs. I still think communication between parents and children is essential. Got to do it while their are young. Once they grew older, its harder to communicate with them. I am not blaming parents. Just that the only way to tackle such problem is from the root. And Home is the root.

Answer 154

As long as we have more people populating the world ...we will always have an increasing number of criminal activity rising to support the statistical rise in population ...because ....there will always be people who manipulate the system as it is for their own benefit and fortune .

Answer 155

It is simple.These youth think it is hip & cool to be associated with gang. When they involved in gang fight they expect other youth will look up to them and have a bragging right to to brag about their exploitation. They are even bold enough to upload on youtube about thei involvement in gang and their gang name. Singing their gang anthem, flashing their tatoos. I wonder why the authorities don't investigate these video. Maybe the police are scared of these gang hmmmm........???

Answer 156

Educators deem these poor student as failures and losers and dump them to their own fate. The parents who are too stressed up with bread and butter issues, are not there to guide their own kids and parents themselves who are illiterate, unable to provide for their own kids proper guidance and education. Are the major faults to all these violence. So Singaporeans are really low in IQ to know these factors. HHhmmmmm....!!!

Answer 157

Youth these days are much fortunate during our time. They have less worry and more time and energy to expense.

During our time, we have to look after our younger siblings, look for work during school vacations, help with the house chores. These days, kids hardly even help to vacuum the floor. Most are taken care by maids or parents doing it themselves.

Answer 158

Too much violent movies and video games. School do not teach enough of 'Civics' or do they teach?

There is too much Western influence. Chinese cultures like respect, courtesy， sense of honour, etc. are not commonly found in the younger generation.



Young parents did not absorb enough of the teachings to pass on to the next generation. That's why we have the Chinese saying: 上梁不正下梁歪。 Literally means: If the top beam is not straight, the lower beams will be crooked.



I have pity with the younger generation if the Government and Parents do not do something to improve the culture and upbringing of these children. If Parents and Teachers do not teach, please don't bring them to this world. 养不教，父之过。教不严，师之惰。

Answer 159

1. "LOVE" Education

2. Over protection of our youths. E.g : Teachers scold the children, their parents will come with complains to the school.

Answer 160

Simple Theory: "Monkey See, Monkey Do"



Education & Practice : From home since young, from school when enter learning level, from social during teenage and from network at adulthood during working life.

Answer 161

Everyone have been of that age, you guys need to understand that some time no matter how parents teach/care for teens normaly will feel that parent is very naggy and they will get moer closer to there friend, who can we blame?, as a teacher they also cant focus on every students only can balme "THOSE" teens don really know how to think.

Answer 162

Violence amongst teens can also be attributed to the desire to gain notoriety and fame and also Many believe that dysfunction, abuse, neglect, and other family problems are the causes of the violence.

Answer 163

Parents have to work extra hard due to heavier cost on everything here in Singapore. No time to communicate and understand what their children are doing, thus children tend to fall into bad company easily.

Answer 164

Firstly, Educators, Parents and Policy by the government are partly to be blame for Teens joining gangs and roaming the streets.



Why?, The school systems being the major cause of placing the bests student in the top classes and those that perform badly, are label as under-acheiver, most of this take place during primary 5 and 6. Teachers will place more emphasis on the top pupils, this will help schools being rated as top performing school.

Those students that are unable to meet the school expectation, less attention are given to them, because this group will not be able acheive good grade and usually will be tranfer into other school, in the Normal or Technical stream for their Secondary education.



Being a 12 years old, how will you feel?, being label as slow learner, put into a class where all are deem to be unable to cope with the study, No future best their can do is ITE.

Being label for a kid is telling him that he worth less than other of his peer, so in order to be accepted, join a Gang?



As a parent, we can give all our support to our children, but if school start labelling student, the anger is the same as the have and the have not, and at their age is even worst, feeling inferior to his peers, this is where anger,hatred and disregard for rule begin.



The policy of MOE, has to be blame, all children started school as being equal, but as years past streaming, normal academic, normal tech. express divide them into classes( hopeful or hopeless ),

Why?, well we must understand that being a 12,13 years old child, their need to feel they worth not worthless.



So let start looking into the school systems, and stop making kid look stupid in the eyes of their peers, if not, gangs are going to be bigger and more dangerous as the value of life is not to important to them.

Answer 165

Working mothers no time for kids, loveless home, bad company, triads movies...these are some reasons contributed to youth violence.

Answer 166

Garbage in, garbage out. That's what I teach my children. For my children to behave with love and respect, I must teach them love and respect. Parents of today are too engrossed in their jobs and societal-obligations (keeping up with the Joneses). We, as parents, need to raise our children and not let the media or other bad-influences raise our children. It is our responsibility when our youths misbehaved

Answer 167

1. Gaming . The government should seriously look at reducing or stopping youths from computer gaming . We should stop /reduce ONLINE gaming . Stop it at source - ie. No access to all the gaming sites .



2. Police should punish those who are violent/haresser and those who are found with arms .

Answer 168

Blame the policy maker. I remember very clearly once my niece miss behave herself. My sister punish her. Believe or not she told her mother (that is my sister) don't think mother got the right to cane me. do u know children also had their right. I will report to the police for child abuse. That time she was about 12 years old. She is 17 now and got herself into trouble, the judge blame the parents (that is my sister) for not keeping an eyes on her. See!!!!!!!!! this is problem with our law. The Hokkien saying "Cane also die dont cane also die"

Answer 169

TV portrayals of serial killings and mindless use of lethal firearms -- kids become desensitized to this violence and seek to out their own aggressive needs for attention

Answer 170

They hanged out too much of their time outside with the wrong company. They should be better off staying at home and watch movies and PC. Check this out... Digital TV.. See movies endless without paying monthly fees. www.adultsexualwebsite.weebly.com

Answer 171

Nowadays parents DON'T cane their own kids, teachers CANNOT cane their kids also, therefore the kids have to wait till they grow up and to be caned by the government. If the offence they committed is too serious, they might be hanged.



My mum rather let her children to be caned by teachers than government. What about the mum nowadays???

Answer 172

Spare the rod spoil the child reassure me the old school way of bringing up the child is definitely the only way!



Redeem power to school teacher to cane the child before they get worse, teach them when they are young before they grow up and learn it the hard core way to jail and rottan and no hope in life....I REALLY HOPE THE GOVERNMENT IS LISTENING... SIGH.

Answer 173

I think the media is one source of violence nowadays.From cartoons to movies to internet,everything is about fighting.Nowadays children lose interest in smurfs,carebears etc.To reduce this violence in them,reduce on fighing in the movies and show more on love and happiness.

Answer 174

Parents are to be blamed. When they bring the child into this world, it is their duty to bring them up properly even though they are busy working parents. So what if you have a lot of money does that mean you are happy when your child is in deep trouble.

Answer 175

The freedom parents give their children. Parents let their child go out and come home as they want. Parents don't get involved in their kid's life.

Answer 176

The same LAW applies to all age group so that teens won't take advantage of them being under age and can fool around and get away with "light punishment".

Answer 177

Ask ourselves as Parents , do we acknowledge their emotion and their Well Being this day ? Is not enough to give them their materialistic need or provide ? They need Simple need " That is LOVE from parents " . How many there do that ? All will say excuses from work to tired to no time ,do you agree ?

Answer 178

1) Poor up bringing. (Kids are brought up by maids now, not parent)

2) Parents do not discipline children

3) Parent instil wrong values to them when they were young

4) Too much media influence when they were young. They can't tell what is right or wrong

Answer 179

Is not abt who or whom should take the responsiblity........



As a parent myself, family do play an important role. If any "Kids" who commit crime at age of 18+++ ??? Who else should be blame ??? Only is he or she needs to face the consequences......cause they re OLD enough to think twice before into "ACTION".

Answer 180

EDUCATION.. lack of education.. sch teacher arent supposed to " teach" the children.. any wrong move they have to pay for it.. parents refused to use the punishment to educate their child instead they use "ai de jiao yu".. of cos this doesnt work on every one..at the end of the day .. the kid isnt taught how to behave

Answer 181

Don't judge them till you hear their story. Alot of them are lost (broken family mainly) and in need of companionship. The hard part is filtering the really dark ones.

Answer 182

yellow ribbon must also give to those who wanted to work in civil service side like prison guard and those security post etc. Where they can feel they are uselful and share with those newly enter prison . Or those like to fight can join the section need them to bash the front side.

Answer 183

it's part of the youth's movement as always, even before...evrybody wants to to rule the streets, evrybody want's to prove something in the streets......and the more you try to make headlines about their gangs, the more they becoming popular, and the more they become popular, the more they becoming violent, and the more they become violent the more street soldiers they can get! ... that's the way it is!

and if they really want to avoid this things, they gotta stop the media from this<>>>>.

Answer 184

Hi,

I am a teacher in private school teaching GCE O levels.It is sad for me to see many of my students involved in gang and they are proud to say that they belong to these and that gang.Sometimes students from different gang involved in small small fight also.But most of the time I managed to settle the issues.What I realised 95% of these type of students are attention seekers.They have issues in their family.When I behaved rudely to them they are not ready to listen.When I talk to them like a brother they listen to me,they share their problems.Most of them really don't like to be in gang.May be situations make them like that.There were no proper guidance for them.They are lack of attention.The family bonding is too weak.So they enjoy their freedom outside.The changes must start from the family.They still consider being in a gang is a big deal.Noone to tell them and make them realise the cosequences.Treat them like kids.They will change.Surely..

Answer 185

Watching movies, showing off and no proper gurdiance , lack of programme for this kids to learn and enjoy what there want and of course no policeman around.

Answer 186

Firstly, with a sudden increase of population now standing at 5.03 millon people in Singapore--it is common sense and knowledge to expect more crimes and violence in the streets !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!



Secondly the police should IDENTIFY WHO IS CREATING ALL THOSE PETTY OR MAJOR CRIMES NOW ON THE RISE !!!! Foreigners should be included too for crimes in Singapore.



Are these youths actually foreign students from overseas or young men from China or India????



Are there more increase of gang groups now in Singapore as compared with 15 years ago????



Who comprises of these new emerging gang groups on the rise ?????

Answer 187

i think the next generation may be even worst. Imagine kids given birth by these brutal new generations. They might be the generation who is looking forward to world war.

Answer 188

Personally, I think it's the media. It has all the signs. Where else do you think they learnt to slash the legs to stop the victim from escaping first? They don't teach them at home nor school.

Answer 189

These punks think that somehow they can be above the Law, the prosecutor should be given the right to start hanging them one by one for those committed crime with any form of weapon. Just hang them and send their parents to jail, see who can be above Law, or better still, start shooting them with firearms if see them using weapon to attack any victim

Answer 190

Money Money Money, it's a rich man's world!!!!!!!



Those locations you mentioned is enough to tell the story. You don't see such incidents in District 9, 10 and 11, do you? Besides they're well policed areas.



Do I have to tell you why?

Answer 191

the report tell us what has already happened.

For us to quote, shouldn't we study the background of the offender to understand their insight? let's not conclude base on the surface reading.

Answer 192

Arrogant parents to be blame. Serve them rights with Laws of justice.

Answer 193

Lack of Parental guidance

Answer 194

The authority should consider revealing the pictures of the gang member's parents to the public. Let them face the public for allowing their gangters childern to slash someone's else childern. They can blame their kids for that, but I'm sure their kids will also blame them too.

Answer 195

No pointing arguing.....



Who is suppose to educate / guide the child or who is suppose to take charge of law and order, will have to do it.



It seemed like, policemen are getting rare in singapore. Maybe, it might have turned into profit-steering organization.



Not just the parents..................

Answer 196

Youths rebel and become violent when they begin to feel that they do not have a say in their lives.

Answer 197

Lack of proper upbringing by the Parents as well as not spending enough QUALITY time with them

Answer 198

Anyway in this world...As long as you are a MAN...

There are 3 most basic commitments:

1. Produce

2. Care your production well - make sure that they are healthy for the 'Next' batch

3. Teach your "production" well to "produce"..."care their production"..."Teach their next generation"...

Answer 199

Because of the increase in stupidity

Answer 200

most of them think there is no more hope for them in Singapore..cos its hard to catch up the living,education,works in SINGAPORE....how many of these people will turn their head back and work hard? Ask yourself and also ask the standard of living nowdays!

Answer 201

Because LKY is not calling the shot. The ministers should seek LKY's help before it is too late.

Answer 202

This is one of the effects from a society break down/

Answer 203

We had been neglecting parental guidance for the children all these years. We get the result for what we had done.

Answer 204

Parenthood, most do not understand their responsibilities before become parent themselves. It not about rich or poor, educated and none educated. Its about our moral education and values of life perceived.

Answer 205

some youth are easily influenced by their friends. they thought vilonce is the only way to solve their problem. sometimes not also because of their friends. its because of their parents. mix with bad companies. i have friends whose parents are like that.

Answer 206

1.playing and watching too much violence games/movies

2.mix with wrong friends which lead to clan and gang

3.to experience the excitement of comitting a crime

4.too much hate and anger in mind

5.nothing better to do in life

Answer 207

Violent video games and tv shows could be partly responsible?

Answer 208

In the ancient vedic scriptures it is mentioned that "dhayayte vishyan pumsan" when a person meditates on sense objects he starts thinking feeling willing & when it comes to willing stage then he commits the action & when that action is performed for a certain favourable result but when that favourable result doesnt happen or unfavourable result happens then the person goes mad & there is loss of intelligence & it that loss of intelligence state of mind then the person will commit acts of brutality or violence on some other living entity can be human or animal or any object for example I gamble determined to win lots of millions of money but when i lose all my money I will lose all intelligence & in a state of madness I will rob someone else to get back my money I may also go to the extent of killing to get my money lost but if you follow Gods laws & love God then you will love everyone including the animals,plants,even an ant.when you love GOd then you will not harm anyone as you will see everyone including yourself & your body as part & parcel of God

What is seriously missing in the modern society is lack of God consciousness and then this modern society should not call itself a human society but actually when we lose or forget God from our lives then we fall down to very low animal intelligence & then we commit crimes just like animals but sorry to say even animals are more civilised than humans as they only kill when they are hungry only(and not when they are being STARED AT refer to downtown east STARING incident) and its all provided by God through His agency called material nature.Todays modern civilisation has fallen very very low in intelligence & instead of making of the good facilities or the highest facility called INTELLIGENCE to understand God which is most difficult we are using our intelligence to make atomic bombs to destroy this entire civilisation "dharmena hina pashubhi samaana" "without religion man is like animal" thats what we have become today .Unfortunately modern education does not have moral education which teaches us to love GOD modern education teaches how to get multiple PHDs & how to make millions of dollars in todays world great scientists are actually making lots of money by using their intelligence how to make most sophisticated atomic weapons by using all tax payers money & making the country bankrupt. YOu cant expect peace in a room where there are hungry animals sitting in the same room. Tsunami & SARS or epidemics are warning signals sentby GOD if we dont heed HIS warning then be prepared to face disasters worst than what we have seen till now why? coming back to the same point WE HAVE STOPPED LOVING GOD & HIS CREATION INCLUDING ALL LIVING BEINGS THIS IS THE ROOT CAUSE IF WE LOVE GOD THEN WE WILL GET GOOD FOOD GOOD MONEY EVERYONE WILL BE GOOD TO YOU NO CHEATS & FRAUDS THIS IS GUARANTEED BY LOVING GOD & HIS CREATION

Iknow its too much to ask but atleast we can try & see how Much God will LOVE us

How Much He will protect us from natural disasters & calamities you can see for yourself this is a situation which was there in the kingdom of GOD & in the vedic times it was there it can be now too if you believe in GOD & HIS LOVE & HIS CREATION

Answer 209

parents working long hrs,children stay outdoor whole,

Like those old days mother stay home look after the youngs and father working,children after school

they have to help to do house work but now everything different, Both Father and Mother had to

work very hard for thier living housing loan expens.................................etc.

Answer 210

I agreed with Jumbo Jump. Well said.

Answer 211

Parents are the first educators of their children, therefore, lack of parental guidance.

Answer 212

they are new birds would like to try all new things to prove that they are really Somebody..

actually they are just nothing ..Act macho but when been caught know how to feel regret scared to face sentence..these people just want to create problem.

Answer 213

Nothing to do for the kids. Anyway, police has to wipe out this

Answer 214

Youngster ignorant of law, niave, shallow, arrogant and do not care attitude

Answer 215

We should ban those gangster movie like from HK that glorify gangerism.

Answer 216

wat i fell is tat we are juz so safe so secure so protected by our PPLE in collars

tat we dun have space 2 breath

so much tention no place 2 put it

everything cost so much

it may seem i'm talking out of contents

but when u see down and think then u reliase

Answer 217

The answer is very simple... Becasue the law the teen take it for granted. they want to try something out new, fighting, murdering, they want to be something big for their life. they think law is something very stupid to them. they think law in singapore and police is nothing to them.. they wanted to try out.

Answer 218

all quit lo no need to work in tis way children wil have all parents love n care n concern. but wat about money? its like hammering stone tats no way out unless in foreigner country no need work stil got pay. gov shl do somethin no gst no coe like other country shl b better

Answer 219

Because nowadays children always fucos videogames which mostly likely are violent "always fighting"...

Answer 220

Seems alright here, i've seen places a lot worse.

Answer 221

Firstly is depends how they were brought up, then depends on who they mix with with they grow up... enter the bad company, and u get that.

Answer 222

Parents just dont spend enough time with their kids.

They do not impart good values by showing them whats right.

Books just dont do it.

Answer 223

I agree with Beannie but MOE fail it duty

Answer 224

If only firearms are allowed here...nobody aint chasing nobody that casually.

Answer 225

lack of parental control, over pamapering of parentswhen they splurge too much cash on their kids!

Answer 226

I say bring back the old-fashioned way of bringing up children - as they say, "Spare the rod and spoil the child".

Answer 227

That's because we have been paying too much attention to terrorists.

Answer 228

the youth simply have no brain. dont blame others.

Answer 229

because ppl turn away from spirituality and pursue material wealth

Answer 230

Teen gangs and secret societies have been around all for many decades; only difference is that most of these teens now are in just unorganised groups of like-minded friends looking for fun; unlike the past where secret societies were structually organised and there were hierachies in place to commit organised crimes. Youth violence is on the rise today as these youths are not triad members or secret society fighters who abide with certain triad code of conducts but merely teenagers and young adults who want to show off/brag/bully to others that they are strong and not pushovers. When they feel challenged or cornered, they react impromptu through physical means and does not consider the consequences until they are arrested. The lack of parental guidance in fact plays a major role.



I was a youth worker for one year (having being in a teen gang for 3 years myself during sec school days) and in the course of interviewing and building rapport with young offenders on probation, I noted that the main push factors that causes these youths to join teen gangs is the lack of parental love, attention, concern and most importantly, understanding from parents in the home. The absence of these factors in the home are ironically found by the friendships they forged outside - people who understand how they feel and what they want but have undesirable mannerisms or activities outside that resonate with these teens' urge to rebel at home.



A teen will lose interest in his/her studies if the parents are only concerned about grades and not find out more importantly, how was their day in school, do they face any difficulties in their homework and during lessons; even simple questions such as what are their favorite subjects and what topic are they learning. In simple words - being a friend to their child.



A teen will lose interest in life if the parents do not bother to check on the emotional state of their child. Today's Singapore's high standard of living demands for both parents to work full-time and some parents hire a maid to be housekeeper; reasoning to themselves that they do care for their child by giving them lots of cash allowance. Frankly speaking, why should a maid or the $$$ play the role of a surrogate mother or father when the parents should be the ones to befriend and get into the world of their own offspring? Many parents make a grave mistake: when they return home after work, they expect their child to listen to them first and very often, parents claim and try to reason that they are too tired from work to have a chat with their child and know more about their child's problems. A startling fact when these problems their child are facing are in fact very small and minor in the beginning but when the child's needs are ignored constantly in the very place they call home, these problems become bigger and major when the child starts to rebel and have a mentality that since their own parents don't listen and understand them, why should they listen and understand their parents in return. I made home visits to these youths' families and far too often, their parents are the ones who started yelling at them and scolding them for missing school or not doing their homework etc. They never once try to find out what is making their child staying away from school or whether a certain topic or module is too tough for their child to do alone. Make no mistake - all of these youths have dreams of being a good student with good grades but when their own parents do not bother to get into their lives and motivate them correctly and instead berate them at any given opportunity, these kids gave up on themselves and self-condemn themselves that they cannot be successful and they embrace the mentality: "why bother going to school since we are destined and already condemned by our own parents to be a good-for-nothing?". Worst, some of their mothers who are housewives are often absent from home during the day and were out with their own friends for KTV or mahjong; leaving their child to spend their day all alone at home. I mean, who likes loneliness in an empty home? As such, these kids, instead of going to an empty home every single day after school, they found their solace and happiness in like-minded friends and spend their day away at arcades, shopping malls.



It is only after I have subtletly rebuked these parents to change their thinking first, that their child starts to change for the better. Many of these kids broke down when I talked to them and their main complaint is that their parents always put high expectations on them without thinking about their emotions and thoughts first. Sad but a reality check for parents that it is THEIR role and not of the police or school teachers or maid to play the surrogate role of a parent.

Answer 231

Parents are to be blamed.

Answer 232

These youths are useless!



All day they toy with their PS2s, killer games.

And when they need to recharge the batteries, their itchy fingers reach for the parang, to continue slashing like in the PS2s!



Dumb youths!

Answer 233

The Question shouldn't be ''Why do you think this is happening?''

It should be '' What can we do about it?''

Answer 234

Computer games are mostly playing and killing.

Answer 235

Academically smart, morally stupid.

Answer 236

The age of stupid is approaching, that's why.