ASJA principals urge parents: Be wary of social media

Senior Multimedia Reporterradhica.sookraj@guardian.co.tt

The principals of the ASJA Boys’ and ASJA Girls’ Colleges are urging parents to take an active role in their children’s education, emphasising the importance of monitoring social media use and staying involved in their lives.

Speaking at the Anjuman Sunnat Ul Jamaat Association (ASJA) Secondary Entrance Assessment awards ceremony in San Fernando yesterday, both principals shared their insights on the challenges of secondary school life and the critical role parents play in their children’s success.

ASJA Girls’ College acting principal Aliyah Amarsingh-Mohammed spoke from personal experience as a former student, young administrator, and mother.

“Throughout my life, I have learned that attitude is a little thing that makes a big difference,” she said.

She encouraged the pupils to “think big, dream big, and transform each challenge into an opportunity” as they began their academic journey in secondary school.

Saying time management was important, Amarsingh-Mohammed urged pupils to stay on top of deadlines, noting that study habits formed in primary school are the foundation for future success.

However, she also cautioned against the potential dangers of social media, advising students and parents to be vigilant.

“Check the homework, know what is in your child’s bag, and know what is on the cellphone. Social media can be an ill as well as a healthy thing,” Amarsingh-Mohammed warned.

She emphasised that children often spend too much time on social media and encouraged them to use the Internet for research and self-improvement instead of getting caught up in time-wasting activities.

ASJA Boys’ College principal Faied Ali endorsed his colleague’s comments. He also stressed that success in secondary school requires ongoing effort from students and parents.

“Achieving the top positions at your respective schools did not come without significant sacrifice,” he said.

He described the long hours of study and preparation students and parents alike must endure, noting that success is not a one-person job.

Ali urged parents not to become complacent after the SEA exams, pointing out that secondary schools are demanding and parental support is more crucial than ever.

“Ensure that you walk hand in hand with your children throughout secondary school. They need your advice even more. As teenagers, they begin to listen to classmates and friends, and sometimes the advice they receive isn’t the best,” he said.

ASJA’s acting president general Ahamad Hosein praised the pupils for their hard work and dedication. He urged them to stay strong in the face of challenges and always do their best.

“Whatever your results, focus on your success. If you stumble, get up, dust yourself off,” he encouraged.

Several students received special awards for their outstanding performance in the SEA examination.

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