The Role of Parents and Key Parenting Patterns in Mitigating Child Violence
- Pixabay/Gerd Altmann
Jakarta, November 13th 2023 – In response to the serious issue of child violence, the Ministry of Education, Culture, Research, and Technology has issued Regulation Number 46 of 2023 regarding Guidelines for the Prevention and Handling of Sexual Violence in the School Environment.
According to the Inspector General of the Ministry, Chatarina Muliana, the role of parents and parenting is considered crucial in mitigating violence against children.
"At present, parenting has become a significant job amid high divorce rates, economic burdens, and low levels of parental education," she said, quoted from Forum Merdeka Barat 9 (FMB9) event with the theme "The State's Presence in Addressing the Emergency of Child Violence."
The new regulation includes strengthening the definition of child violence and transforming the roles of task forces at the local level to be more structured. Chatarina added that parents must be good role models, demonstrate positive behavior, and provide character education to children from an early age.
"Parents, as products of the past, play a significant role in shaping a child's character," she said.
In addition, Ministerial Regulation No. 46/2023 includes the formation of Prevention and Handling of Violence teams in Educational Units (PPKSP) with the support of Technical Guidance (Bimtek) training for more effective implementation.
FMB9 event
- Dok: FMB9
The Secretary of the Ministry of Women's Empowerment and Child Protection (PPPA), Pribudiarta Nur Sitepu, described child violence as the tip of the iceberg, where most child violence issues in Indonesia have not been fully revealed.
Although data indicates a declining trend, the number of child violence cases still reaches tens of millions. He highlighted factors such as poverty, social inequality, and inadequacy in parenting as primary drivers, with the Covid-19 pandemic adding further triggers.
Ai Maryati Solihah, Chairperson of the Indonesian Child Protection Commission (KPAI), emphasized the gap in parents' preparedness for their crucial role. A KPAI survey showed that only about 23 percent of parents have received parenting education.
Ai stressed the need for collaborative and holistic efforts to address this issue, as well as the importance of utilizing complaint channels effectively.
"These figures indicate a gap in parents' preparedness for their crucial role," emphasized Ai Maryati Solihah.
