MANILA(July 2) — As the country grapples with rising concerns over violence involving young people, psychologist Honey Carandang is urging families, schools, and government leaders to invest more in values formation and early guidance rather than focusing on harsher punishment.
Speaking on the Veritas Pilipinas program over Radio Veritas, Carandang said discussions on youth crime should begin by asking how adults can better support children—not how early they should be held criminally liable.
“Let us not first look at what age children should be punished,” Carandang said. “Let us look at what we, as adults, should do.”
According to the psychologist, preventing violence starts long before a crime is committed. She called on the government to strengthen programs that help children develop healthy behavior, emotional resilience, and positive decision-making.
For Carandang, effective crime prevention means giving young people the guidance and support they need before they are exposed to harmful influences.
Bringing values back into the classroom
Carandang also stressed the need to strengthen values education in schools, saying academic achievement should not come at the expense of character formation.
She recalled the former Good Manners and Right Conduct (GMRC) program, saying lessons on respect, kindness, humility, and discipline deserve renewed emphasis alongside traditional academic subjects.
“Before, we had GMRC—respect, kindness, humility,” she said. “It should be emphasized, not only grades and curriculum.”
She noted that schools play an important role in reinforcing the values children first learn at home.
Parents remain children’s first teachers
While acknowledging the growing influence of social media and digital technology, Carandang said parents remain the most important role models in a child’s life.
She encouraged families to remain actively involved in teaching children right from wrong, listening to their concerns, and modeling positive behavior.
According to Carandang, strong family relationships and consistent guidance can help children navigate the pressures they face both online and in their communities.
Violence raises alarm
Carandang’s appeal comes as public concern over youth violence has intensified following a series of violent incidents involving students.
Most recently, a school shooting in Tacloban City claimed the lives of three students and injured 13 others, prompting renewed debate over campus safety, juvenile justice, and the factors driving youth violence.
For Carandang, however, lasting solutions require more than tougher laws.
She believes building compassionate homes, strengthening values education in schools, and creating supportive communities remain among the most effective ways to help young people grow into responsible and peaceful citizens.
