Parents must be blamed for sons' errant behaviour

There was a recent news report in Al Eqtisadiah Arabic daily regarding the caning of 20 youths in Madinah for teasing and harassing girls. The Governor of Madinah Prince Muqrin bin Abdul Aziz previously advised the formation of a committee to investigate this unacceptable behaviour and put deterrents in place to stop these acts which are contrary to our Islamic ideals and values.

It is obvious that these acts of harassment, particularly of school girls, must have increased if such steps by the governor were deemed necessary. This is a completely unacceptable state of affairs.

I have myself, on several occasions, seen cars driven by young men following other cars occupied by females who, in some cases, were old enough to be the young men's mothers! Why are these things happening in our society?

Can we blame satellite channels, films, etc. No doubt many will. But I believe the main source of all these problems is the family. If parents inculcate correct values into their children, such things simply will not happen. If a boy learns to respect his mother and sister, he will not, as a young man, go out in public making a nuisance of himself to every female he encounters. He will not throw a paper with his phone number at other cars or stalk girls in shopping malls or hospitals. This is too much.

What irritates me is that if someone tries to intervene, others calmly advise the person not to interfere. This indifference on the part of society encourages the continuation of the very shameful acts, deplored by all civilised people.

In China, those guilty of such offences had their heads shaved. In our neighbouring Gulf countries such as the UAE, the perpetrators of such acts have their pictures published in newspapers. I believe these steps are worthwhile provided all offenders are treated the same way.

No one has the right to harass anyone whether by being a nuisance or making lewd comments. And sociologists, academics and parents should act together to prevent this disgusting phenomenon in our society.

But seminars, meetings and discussions are not enough. What are these young men doing out driving, roaming aimlessly without parental supervision? Why are they out in the streets at all hours? What are their parents doing? Can they possibly be unaware of their sons' behaviour?
All these questions should be asked of the parents.

As for me, I have decided that if I see such offenders, I shall note their car number and report it to the authorities. In that case, I will have done my duty as a citizen and a Muslim.