(image: youtube.com)
Magkamatay na dajon…
Inquirer.net reported on March 28, 2025: A grade 8
male student fatally stabbed his classmate with a kitchen knife after an
argument at a high school in Parañaque City.
In a DWLA radio interview, Parañaque City assistant
police chief Lt. Col. Eric Angustia said the incident arose from a disagreement
between the 15-year-old suspect and the 14-year-old victim. It started when the
suspect borrowed make-up from the victim without her permission. That’s why
they argued.
In a statement also on Thursday, the Moonwalk
National High School said it was cooperating with authorities in its
investigation, adding that the incident was an “isolated” case.
These news stories often leave readers and the public
in a state of disbelief, as it's almost impossible to comprehend the depth of
hatred that young people can harbor so intense that it leads them to take
another person's life.
If this behavior stems from bullying, what might be
the underlying environment of these young individuals at home? Are they
subjected to domestic violence to such an extent that its impact spills over
into their school lives, influencing their actions in the classroom?
Studies suggest that children who witness or
experience household violence may internalize harmful behaviors, which can
escalate into bullying or even violent acts toward others (Evans, Davies, &
DiLillo, 2008). This exposure not only disrupts their emotional development but
also affects their ability to regulate anger and form healthy relationships,
leading to destructive patterns that extend beyond the home (Jaffe, Wolfe,
& Wilson, 1990).
Violence is prevalent across virtually all social
media platforms, and its pervasive nature can have a cascading effect on
individuals exposed to this content. Many so-called "content
creators" have even started to view violence as a tool for engagement,
often prioritizing sensationalized or harmful content to attract attention. As
a result, these disturbing portrayals not only thrive but continue to fuel a
cycle of negativity and aggression online, influencing the behavior and mindset
of viewers.
The mind should remain free from the corruption of
violence. Parents have a crucial role in nurturing love, care, and empathy, and
they must serve as the primary protectors of their children, safeguarding them
from harmful media content that promotes violence. As the first line of
defense, parents must actively monitor and guide their children's exposure,
fostering a healthy environment that shields them from the damaging effects of
violent portrayals in the media.