Tearing notebooks at campus raises ethical concerns

A troubling trend has emerged among school and college students, one that raises serious ethical, moral, and social concerns and sadly this issue has received no attention.

This indifferent attitude, even from social scientists who have a crucial role in addressing societal challenges and initiating important debates, speaks volumes about the profound disconnect among various segments of our society.

When those tasked with analysing social phenomena remain silent, it contributes to the normalisation of problematic behaviours. This is a troubling new phenomenon where students celebrate their final day by tearing notebooks and papers into countless pieces and tossing them into the air, creating paper storms that blanket roads outside their institutions. This practice is not only disrespectful but also environmentally harmful. This highlights a disturbing lack of respect for public spaces and the hard work of those who maintain them.

This practice also reveals a profound disconnect between what we claim to teach and what students actually learn. Schools that should instill respect for public spaces, environmental consciousness, and basic civic responsibility are instead becoming launch sites for what amounts to sanctioned littering. Similarly, in colleges especially in big cities, another concerning tradition has taken root, male students marking their final day by having their uniforms signed and defaced with colorful markers before parading through streets in vehicles, sometimes brandishing weapons and engaging in illegal aerial firing. Videos of these incidents frequently surface on social media, fueling concerns about public safety and student behaviour.

Experts in education argue that these behaviors go beyond youthful enthusiasm; they expose deeper flaws in character development, something rapidly fading from our educational institutions. The Islamic principle of cleanliness as ‘half of faith’ seems to be overlooked in such celebrations, along with the fundamental respect for public spaces. They also emphasise that the responsibility doesn’t rest solely on teachers, parents play a crucial role. Many either remain unaware of their children's actions or, worse, dismiss them as harmless traditions.

They further argue that civic responsibility begins at home, with conversations about respecting shared spaces and the dignity of all work. The deafening silence surrounding acts of littering and farewell chaos is perhaps the most troubling aspect of all. Social scientists, educators, and community leaders have a vital role in addressing these behaviors. Instead of dismissing them as mere youthful enthusiasm, we must recognise them as symptoms of deeper educational and social gaps.

Schools, parents, and policymakers should work together to instill a sense of responsibility, ensuring that celebrations do not come at the cost of public order, and students should be guided to understand that true freedom comes with responsibility toward their communities and shared spaces.