I READ with concern press reports on two cases of youths fighting or committing assault in public.

One case occurred in Chinatown in January, when two gangs of youths who were staring at each other ended up in a fight. One young man died. The second case took place in Tampines Street 44, when a youth mistook his two victims for gang members and attacked them with a knife. The two youths suffered considerable injuries.

An in-depth study and analysis of the results are needed to identify the causes of such violence so that a solution can be found.

Hopefully, this would prevent similar incidents from happening.

What could the reasons be?

Busy parents

Is it because parents are so busy with work that they have little or no time for their children? Such parents would have less time to show love, care and concern towards their children.

No discipline

Lack of discipline and control could be an explanation for youth violence.

Violent movies

The market and the Internet are flooded with violent movies and video clips. Could our youths be influenced by them?

However, there are mitigating factors. Among them is the school system, which places an emphasis on civics and moral education, and social studies. These subjects inculcate discipline, morals and the value of social responsibility in students.

Members of the public also have a part to play. They should be socially conscious and call the police whenever they see youths quarrelling or getting into fights in public.

Mr Teo Kueh Liang

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