The issue of morals has been a concern for many nations, prompting significant efforts to protect their youth. For instance, Japan issued a guideline document making the teaching of good habits, prevalent in Japan three centuries ago, a core subject in schools.
This decision was based on evidence linking a decline in morals among elementary school students to an increase in juvenile crime rates. The document leaves no detail overlooked, introducing lessons on seemingly minor but essential aspects such as walking posture, tone of voice, and the appropriate degree of bowing when greeting, which varies depending on the social status of the individual being addressed.
It also includes guidelines on the choice of words when speaking to others, tailored to their age. These aspects, far from being trivial, are fundamental to social interactions, with the benefits becoming apparent over time.
The Omani Ministry of Education has taken a significant step by introducing a curriculum that teaches young people the concepts of identity and citizenship from this academic year.
According to the Ministry, the curriculum aims to strengthen the preservation of Oman’s national identity and Islamic principles and values. This initiative is urgently needed, given the rapid and astonishing developments in communication technology that wield immense influence, especially on young people who lack religious, moral, and national safeguards.
Comparing the mindset of today’s youth with that of previous generations at the same age is futile; the abundance of information and breakthroughs now available would have been unimaginable to earlier generations. This shift necessitates that governments everywhere address modern challenges with strategies that align with contemporary advancements.
Safeguarding national identity and Islamic values requires the MoE to dedicate a subject specifically to ethics. This subject would aim to shield the younger generation from influences that corrupt morals and jeopardise the country’s welfare.
While knowledge is the foundation of a nation, virtuous ethics are essential to ensure society remains sound and free from the moral ailments afflicting other nations.
Observing the responses of some young people on social media reveals a concerning moral decline. It sometimes feels implausible to believe that such individuals are truly Omani. In pursuit of social media recognition, many have forsaken their morals, with some imagining themselves as influential figures while creating content that damages the country’s image and offers no constructive contribution, as their harm outweighs any benefit.
As social media continues to evolve, it is vital to study the situation and develop appropriate solutions before it spirals out of control, making intervention more challenging.
As poet Ahmed Shawqi aptly said, 'Nations endure as long as morals thrive, but when they perish, none can survive.' Social media, while an undeniable reality, must be approached with well-devised plans. The importance of this was highlighted by a Google executive at the opening of the company’s Southeast Asia office, who remarked, “When you engage with the Internet, nothing in your life remains the same. Everything changes, and you cannot turn back.”
While many factors contribute to moral decline, the role of communication technologies in reshaping societies remains the most prominent.
One of the most significant negative outcomes has been the spread of hatred, driven by a sense of impunity among users. This has given rise to “electronic flies,” which actively attack countries, individuals, religious and political groups, and Islamic sects, fostering division, animosity, and hatred on both personal and collective levels. Oman has not been immune to these attacks, suffering greatly due to its principled positions and independent decision-making.
The MoE's initiative to instil patriotism in young people could serve as a robust measure to shield them from these threats. It could act as a solid barrier against the allure of false freedoms, as the attacks on Oman are relentless and resurface with every stance the country takes.
(Translated by Badr al Dhafari. The original version of this article was published in the print edition of Arabic Oman newspaper on November 18, 2024)
Oman Observer is now on the WhatsApp channel. Click here
