ACADEMIC WRITING

Discipline in schools has always been a major concern for teachers and educators,
especially when there have been indications that the problem is getting worse rather than
improving. In 1985, a report published by the Singapore Teachers Union, provided with
empirical evidence that the state of discipline in schools at that time gave no cause for real
concern. Exactly 10 years later, the Singapore Teachers' Union conducted another survey
and the findings revealed that the situation has worsened. In the last decade, a gripping hike
in the declaration of zero tolerance school discipline policies have been seen (Russell J.
Skiba and Reece L. Peterson, 2002). One of the severe disciplinary issues trending among
students is vandalism. Vandalism is derived from the word vandal. The Vandals were
actually Germanic people who invaded Gallia (the present France), Italy, Spain and North
Africa between 400 and 500 AD. They destroyed valuable books and works of art. In 1774,
because of the vandals' destruction and damage of objects, the term "vandalism" is used to
describe behaviour aimed at causing damage or destruction without obtaining significant
profit from the behaviour (Theron, 1991; Welch, 1991). Vandalism can also be described as
the purposeful damaging, violation, or destruction of public or private property by people who
are not the direct owners of the property (Sanders, 1981). School vandalism is therefore the
purposeful damaging, violation, or destruction of school property by, bored, malevolent,
frustrated or ideology-driven learners. According to Allen & Greenberger (1978), student
vandals mark almost everything that exists. Learner-related problems are considered an
important cause of school vandalism. Vandalism is trending among students because of
peer influence in a group, expressing strong emotions in an unhealthy way and influence of
the society.

One of the reasons for vandalism among students is peer influence in a group. There is a
connection between vandalism and the youth's involvement within the peer group and / or
gang. Youths often find acceptance within a peer group and / or gang, and acts of vandalism
bind the members of the group and/or gang. The extent to which youths participate in acts of
vandalism also contributes to their reaching a certain status within the peer group and / or
gang and being recognised by the members (Teevan & Dryburgh, 2000; Catalano et al.,
1999; Douglas & McCart, 1999). This proves that students are easily influenced by their
peers. It can also be said that students get involved in vandalism to be accepted and
respected by their peers. When they are accepted by their peers, they do not consider their
act of vandalism immoral. Therefore, students should think wisely before acting and they
should learn how to differentiate between good and bad.

Another reason for vandalism among students is the tendency of expressing strong
emotions in an unhealthy way. According to Theron (1991), some students who experiences
inner fragmentation and who fails in his search for identity and acceptance by the peer group
can experience a negative identity. Due to the students perception, they will consider
themselves as someone with little significance or importance. Therefore, some of them might
attempt to create an identity in a negative manner to get the attention their seeking. The
most common way used by vandals to create their identity is graffiti. By means of graffiti, this
student leaves his mark that will display his identity. To avoid this unhealthy way of
expressing emotions, students should find another medium to express their feelings in a
more subtle way like going for counseling sessions or joining activities that can help them to
express their emotions in a positive method like art class.

The other reason for vandalism among students is the influence of the society. It is a known
fact that students, especially primary students, usually repeat what they see and hear. It can
be said that students are easily influenced by their surroundings. This proves that the actions
of the society and even their parents can influence them easily. According to Douglas &
McCart (1999), they said that children grow up in an atmosphere in which there are double
standards. Double standards can be defined with this example; a parent would not allow or
even ban their children from consuming alcohol but the parents themselves would consume
alcohol when they have parties or at any time of the day in front of their children. When this
happens, how can a parent expect their children to not consume alcohol as they themselves
do so? Wouldnt the child consider consuming alcohol is not wrong as they always feel
whatever their parents do is right and can be followed as an example? Therefore, the rules
set by the parents for their children but not followed by the parents themselves can be
considered double standards in a family. Sometimes, at large sports meetings or
celebrations, adults can overstep the mark and vandalise property, mum and dad can hold
wild parties. Thus, the students perceive that rules can be broken as their parents do so.
Matula (2001) is of the opinion that the diminishing influence of the family, school and
religious organisations on the moral development of students, and the growing influence of
the media, promotes antisocial and insensitive behaviour. In addition, Grimm (1994) argues
that the idealisation of illicit action by students in the media, television programmes, films
and fiction leads to the general acceptance and legitimisation of the behaviour. This shows
that the media also has a great impact on students. When movies shows heroes who are
involved in gang fights and does vandalism, students think it is cool to do so because the

heroes are doing the same. Parents, the society and the media should set a good example
to all students to ensure the students are well-behaved.
In conclusion, we can see that vandalism is trending among students because of peer
influence in a group, expressing strong emotions in an unhealthy way and influence of the
society. Those who get involved in vandalism can be considered violent, destructive and a
criminal as vandalism is against the law. Therefore, students should not get involved in
vandalism. A schoolwide policy and dedication is needed to create a victorious attitude
management and disciplinary implementation in a school (Jones, 1984). Besides, students
should be well-mannered and well-disciplined as discipline is the bridge between goals and
accomplishment (Jim Rohn). Hence, start cultivating discipline in yourself and work towards
victory and success in your life.