Media reports of an upsurge in violent behaviour among school children are a cause of deep concern. While often exaggerated, anti-social conduct in any form cannot be condoned in places where young people are being prepared to take their place in the world.

It is only natural to search for reasons. The loudly rebellious music, the violent electronic games, the aggressive logos on fashion-wear, the media's obsession with reporting and glamourising unwholesome values and behaviour, all have a negative impact upon young minds.

I often wonder whether we as adults are not neglecting our responsibility to teach children the art of being silent. I do not envisage a deliberately enforced period of being quiet, but rather regular opportunities to silently dream, marvel and reflect. I do not envisage a pre-determined programme of anger and conflict management - we are already overloaded by those - but simply a period of conscious stillness in order to get in touch with inner feelings and strengths.

In a world characterised by 'purpose-filled', 'must-succeed' activities, I wonder whether moments of silence might be helpful in assisting young people to stop and think, to calmly consider a more respectful response to aggression. Are not we as adults sending out the very message which so dismays us - 'don't settle for that', 'speak out', 'hit back'? Might some emphasis on silence not better empower our children to respond more positively?

Our compulsion to be part of the frenetic action of daily life, may well have led us to fear apparently meaningless moments of silence. Perhaps we need to reconsider the value of these moments to develop our inner strengths.

Perhaps the time has come for both parents and teachers to silence the mobile phone, the electronic media and the incessant noise to create a silent space? The leading peacemakers in history set aside time for silence. Perhaps we owe it to our young people to rekindle this simple act.

As a School known for setting standards, I am confident that we can all commit to the strength of silence in our attempt to create a more harmonious community.

 

This article was originally published in The Bostonian, June 2007. It is re-published here with permission from the Editor and author.