A shocking incident of bullying and drug abuse at Scarsdale School in Lahore has got everyone around us questioning the future we are cultivating for our children. We thought we’d ask the students themselves what they made of the entire incident.
Background
Aleeha Imran, a student at the Scarsdale American International School in Lahore, was brutally attacked on January 16th by four other female students. About 40 minutes into the attack, the youngster had to be taken to the hospital.
The violence was astounding in both its physical and psychological aspects. It was horrifying to observe how unrelentingly the females who were assaulting eighth-grader Aleeha had no self-control over how they were handling her.
According to reports, Aleeha was offered drugs by the group of girls however, her refusal led to this violent attack. The case is under investigation presently and rumor has it that all students involved, who were all minors, have been expelled or suspended from the institution.
The case has highlighted numerous issues with the schooling system as well as many more unsettling ideas to consider. People often wonder where the country’s youth will go, the rampant spread and usage of drugs amongst the youth in our society, and the power that influence wields to protect those who transgress the law.
After the Scarsdale incident, we witnessed various online reactions, however, FUCHSIA Magazine wanted to know the perspective of students of the same generation who have been first-hand witnesses to this culture. Therefore we reached out to some young people and we give you thought-provoking conversations driven by what happened at The Scarsdale School.
Scroll down to find out what their take on the matter was.
Please note: all names have been changed to protect the identity of those who participated in this discussion.
1. Having Influence Or Money Is A ‘Get Out Of Jail Free Card’
All students involved in the incident, including the victim, have faced consequences from the school administration, the news is that they have been expelled or suspended from the institution. While some say what is happening is the correct way. Others have different opinions.
“It is no doubt true that the perpetrators are minors and should be treated as such However, it is pertinent to keep in mind that the action taken should not be influenced by any external factors whatsoever. Otherwise, a dangerous precedent would be set for the youth around us. “
Tanya
Unfortunately, it is a sad reality in our society that having influence is a ‘get out of jail free card’, which has corrupted the moral fabric of our society to its core. Suspension or even expulsion isn’t the right solution because until and unless they learn that there are consequences to their actions, there isn’t going to be a benefit. This case needs to be a stepping stone in setting an example without any use of force and bribery so next time people should think twice before committing something of this sort.
having influence is a ‘get out of jail free card’
Asad
However, the girls need to be treated in accordance with the Juvenile Justice Act 2018 keeping in mind that they are still minors and need to be treated as such.. They need to be put in effective rehabilitation rather than being punished in a way that will not cause them to understand the negatives of their behavior or how to correct it long-term.
The idea that a bribe or fine or influence is the solution to get away with everything is not what we should be imparting to our generation because today it was Aleeha Imran, and tomorrow it could be our loved ones. And everyone does not have the influence or finances to escape punishment.
2. Leaking Private Details Online
The Scarsdale incident went viral online with the video circulating on social media feeds that depicted the girls indulging in violence.
Even though the video was spread in a negative light, we cannot ignore the fact that it is what informed a lot of parents about what is going on inside schools. But this is not the way, because let’s face it our society is very unforgiving, and making private details public is not the best of ideas, especially in a society where rape threats are very common.
Tanya
Social media is a scary place where people are very quick to jump to conclusions. Spreading awareness is one thing but leaking someone’s private details is not something we as a society should stoop to, because if we ourselves put others in a situation which may cause them harm, then how much better are we?
3. Should Schools Test For Drugs?
The drug culture is increasing at an alarming rate but who is responsible? Is it our schools that are too negligent to what is happening right under their nose or is it the parents that are too detached from the lives of their children?
As people who have seen a constant rise in the drug culture at schools and colleges, it is strongly felt that there should be a policy of mandatory drug testing in each and every school along with screening before entering the premises. In case someone is caught using or selling, it should go on their permanent records no matter what influence the family has. If the school doesn’t take a stand for the youth, is it really fulfilling its purpose?
Hasan
The students have a very strong feeling towards putting a stop to this culture because it does put them in danger too. While they also believe that the school and parents should work in tandem with their kids through ways in which they feel comfortable so that they stay involved in the life of their children and help correct them when they are on the verge of making poor choices.
4. Most Kids Start Doing Drugs Due To Poor Mental Health
It is time that schools stop focusing on just grades because yes, grades do determine a secure academic future but what helps children become better humans and successful in life is not just grades.
Schools should try to introduce a basic ethics and morality course where they should effectively be exposed to examples that show them the consequences of making poor choices. Further, the need for mental health guidance/counseling cannot be stressed enough.
Zoheb
It is often forgotten that we as students are leading equally stressful lives as adults and that it does take a toll on our physical and mental health. Therefore it is necessary to equip us with resources that help us battle through the stages of our lives rather than making academics the center of everything.
It is important to keep in mind that most kids start doing drugs due to poor mental health.
Ayesha
It is 2023 and it is time to step out of the cages we are contained in and find ways that go beyond Math, English, and Science.
5. Sending Minors To Jail Is Not The Solution
Well, folks, sending minors to jail is not the answer for dealing with a matter of this sort.
Then what is the solution to dealing with this?
Our courts should develop effective rehabilitation and community service facilities in co ordination with the schools which have a long term benefit.
Hasan
Providing rehabilitation and community services in coordination with schools is something the courts should start working on as soon as possible. The kids often are unaware of how their poor choices can lead them to grave consequences if not dealt with.
On the contrary, some remain pessimistic about the future of this youth, feeling that parents need to shoulder more responsibility.
It is an unfortunate reality of a society that most children studying in elite schools have an entitled mindset that they learn from their homes.
Ayesha
We cannot change what children are learning within their homes, however, the law of the land can play a huge role in ensuring that children grow up to be decent human beings.
Tell us what you think of the perspectives and do you agree with them. Share your thoughts in the comments below. Find more details in the Press Release by the Scarsdale School administration post the bullying incident.
