NOTES ON VALUES EDUCATION – LESSON 3: ME, MY FAMILY AND THE SOCIAL INSTITUTION

The Family as the Natural Institution

A family is usually made up of a husband, a wife, and children. Nature intended it this way because when
a child is born, it takes many years under the guidance of parents before he can get along by himself. The
most natural thing for the parents to do is to take care of their children with an abundance of love and
affection.

Nature also fosters a strong bond within families, as parents naturally see themselves reflected in their
children. They invest immense love, effort, and resources into their upbringing, sacrificing their own
comforts for their children's well-being. This selfless care is motivated by pure love, leading children to
feel grateful for their parents' unwavering support and dedication.

The family serves as the fundamental and natural school of life, where important values like patience,
forgiveness, authority, trust, service, and sacrifice are learned. It is within the family that individuals
develop essential virtues such as respect, affection, and understanding. Through their efforts, parents
strive to nurture their children into capable and compassionate members of society. The family's role in
procreation and education contributes significantly to societal development. Ultimately, the well-being
of society depends on the strength and stability of individual families, as they provide the foundation for
fostering social virtues and shaping responsible citizens.

The school

In school, educators play a vital role in preparing students for life by imparting ideals and instilling a set
of moral standards to guide their thoughts, words, and actions. Education is viewed as a lifelong process,
with schooling serving as the foundation for developing the habit of learning and providing the tools for
continuous growth beyond formal education. Schooling introduces students to a more complex
environment outside the home, where they navigate formal time schedules, rules of conduct, and
authority figures beyond their parents. Through this experience, students learn the importance of laws
and limitations in maintaining order and justice within a community.

Schooling also serves as a social experience, providing opportunities for interaction with peers of varying
ages, personalities, and abilities, as well as with adults and authority figures outside the family circle. It
fosters sharing, exchange, giving, and receiving among students. Moreover, schooling exposes individuals
to diverse ideas and behaviors that may align with or challenge their own moral values and ethical
conduct, presenting occasions to affirm or reconsider personal beliefs.

As future educators in GMRC (Good Manners and Right Conduct), it is crucial to recognize that the most
effective way to inspire learners is by embodying the qualities of a respected teacher. Students closely
observe and scrutinize not only the lessons taught but also the teaching style, demeanor, moods, virtues,
and personality of their educators. Therefore, educators must be mindful of the impressions they convey
and strive to create a positive and conducive learning environment. The experiences and values
imparted during schooling play a significant role in shaping individuals' characters and influencing
lifelong learning.
Religion

Religious teachings delve into the profound aspects of human existence, exploring themes of destiny,
transcendence, sin, redemption, and grace. They impart the significance of pain and sacrifice, guiding
individuals on how to confront trials and sufferings with dignity and optimism. These teachings
illuminate the mysteries of life, including the concepts of good and evil, and emphasize the importance
of practicing virtues. Ultimately, religious teachings provide a framework for understanding life's
meaning, purpose, and direction, offering individuals guidance and solace in their spiritual journey.

Individuals naturally respond to the teachings of religion and universal truths, such as respect for human
dignity, justice, peace, and family solidarity, with innocence, simplicity, and realism. Our initial
understanding of religion is shaped by what we perceive through our senses—what we see and hear. We
tend to trust and accept what is taught to us, especially when religious educators embody these truths
and are perceived as trustworthy.

Religious educators play a crucial role in imparting lessons and homilies through their example and
advice, particularly during periods of conflict and suffering. They serve as a noble and influential force in
educating moral values, guiding the intellect toward truth and inspiring the will to do good and endure
hardships out of love for God and neighbor. Through their guidance and support, individuals are
encouraged to uphold moral principles and live virtuous lives.

Peers

A significant portion of a learner's waking hours is spent at home and in school, where parental and
teacher modeling greatly influence their behavior. However, it's important not to overlook the influence
of peers, who can exert considerable sway over the child. During this stage of emotional and social
development, the child is particularly sensitive to peer influence and pressure. They feel a strong need
for acceptance, especially among their peers, and strive to participate in group activities, be included,
feel wanted, identify with their peers, and belong. Peer relationships play a crucial role in shaping the
child's sense of identity and social integration.

Through peer interactions, a child gains self-confidence and self-worth, as they learn from and support
each other. As the saying goes, "Show me who your friends are, and I will tell you what you are." The
choice of friends reflects an individual's values, and during the crucial teen years, peers can exert a
significant positive influence on each other. They may possess clearer and stronger convictions than
adult role models and can effectively advise each other to uphold moral principles.

However, peers can also exert strong pressure on a child to engage in illicit conduct, making it
challenging for even a confident and morally upright child to resist. Therefore, while peer influence can
be empowering and supportive, it can also present challenges that require guidance and support from
parents and teachers in navigating ethical dilemmas and making responsible choices.
Mass media

Children and teenagers spend an average of four or more hours daily watching television, totaling about
28 hours weekly. Media plays a significant role in society, with television content becoming increasingly
violent and explicit.

Excessive television viewing and exposure to violent content can lead to behavioral problems and
childhood obesity. Research shows children witness over 200,000 violent acts before turning 18, with
children's programming displaying about 20 violent acts per hour.

Regulating television viewing and content is essential to mitigate these negative effects and promote
healthier lifestyles among children and teenagers.

In a study by Zafar et al. (2003), it was discovered that media has a significant impact on the social
aspects of human personality, influencing feelings, emotions, and behavior. Mass media, particularly
electronic media and the internet, are noted for making young people more aggressive and materialistic,
promoting fashion obsession and vulgarity.

However, the study also highlighted positive effects of media, such as increased awareness about
political, social, and environmental issues. Additionally, media plays a role in promoting business and
improving standards of living.