What do parents think when teachers have tattoos?

(Dan Tri) - This is the question that education experts ask when referring to the story of cultural conflicts in the era of globalization.

Tattoos and the story of cultural clashes in the digital age

One of the prominent topics at the first discussion of the event series "Contributing 1 voice to educational innovation" was the issue of cultural conflicts in families and schools, illustrated by education expert Dang Dinh Long through the story of tattoos.

Mr. Long pointed out the reality that while young people are exposed to Western culture and see tattoos as a form of personal freedom, many parents strongly oppose it.

One student who attended the discussion said she really likes tattoos but is worried that it will affect her dream of becoming a teacher. "A teacher with tattoos will not be accepted," she said.

Education experts at a seminar on educational innovation in the digital age (Photo: Hoang Hong).

Ms. Pham Hoai Thu, founder of Maya School, also recounted her experience of wanting to get a tattoo after giving birth, but her family did not approve. She also witnessed a parent refusing to let her child attend Maya because a teacher had a tattoo or a nose piercing.

This story made her wonder about how society and families react to changes in young people's personal style.

Ms. Thu asked: "If I had a tattoo, would the parents leave the school?"

One parent was blunt in her response, saying that she wouldn’t do it. But if her child wanted to get a tattoo, she would advise them to think carefully about the meaning and form of self-expression, and consider the social impact around them.

Expert Dang Dinh Long commented that tattoos are just one of many manifestations of cultural conflicts between generations.

He believes that changes in clothing and personal image often occur under the influence of social trends. Decades ago, Vietnamese people were also prejudiced against strange hairstyles or dressing styles. This behavior should be seen as part of creativity and self-discovery, rather than a moral measure.

For parents and educators, companionship, listening and guidance will be important factors in helping children overcome challenges and concerns in finding personal identity.

Mr. Long also emphasized that if family conflicts are not resolved, they can affect the educational environment in schools, causing deep conflicts between learners and educational values.

Educational innovation is not only about changing teaching methods but also creating a space that respects diversity and individual freedom.

In this, family and school act as "bridges" between individuals and traditional values, guiding learners to become global citizens with identity, both confident in expressing themselves and in harmony with the community.

Does personalized education create selfish children?

In a story revolving around a student's decision to get a tattoo, experts ask: If a child insists on pursuing this hobby despite advice from his family, is it selfish?

From here, another question arises: Does personalized education create selfish children?

Ms. Pham Hoai Thu shared that concerns about personalized education and individuality are often raised with her by parents.

Students participate in handicraft making experience at the event (Photo: Hoang Hong).

Ms. Thu explained that there are three stages in a child's development. 0-6 years old is the stage when children are individual-oriented, 6-12 years old is the stage when children are social-oriented, and 12-18 years old is the stage when children develop into individuals with social awareness.

This is also the stage when children want to seek recognition from others, unintentionally becoming selfish and rebellious in the eyes of their parents.

"Secondary education is the stage that supports children in developing socially conscious individuals. What are their abilities, what do they want to do, what benefits can the work they want to do create for society, what can their abilities contribute to making the world a better place.

These are the things that teachers and schools need to guide students to know who they are, what their meaning in life is and to live in harmony with others, not just knowing themselves. That is the true personalization journey that schools are undertaking," Ms. Thu affirmed.

Ms. Thu admitted that this journey is "huge and challenging", because personalized education in schools requires the concerted efforts and unity of education in the family.

From another perspective, Ms. Tran Thi Hai Yen - CEO of a kindergarten - emphasized the element of personalized education for children aged 0-6. According to Ms. Yen, during this period, if children develop self-esteem and strong belief in themselves, their journey to adulthood will be more stable.

Ms. Yen tells the story of her little daughter, who was always considered a good girl, suddenly one day told her mother that she would dye her hair 7 colors and get a tattoo.

"Even though I was surprised, all I could say to my son was 'wonderful'. He said he knew I would say 'wonderful' anyway. And he had already made a scenario predicting people's reactions to his new look.

I have strong faith in myself so I never worry about what others will say about me," Ms. Yen confided.

The preschool educator also affirmed that such strong personal belief cannot be considered selfish or self-centered. It is a solid foundation for each person stepping into society or anywhere to be able to integrate and get along.

Because when you have enough confidence in yourself, you can easily accept the differences of others.

"Let's take care of the good in each child, we will have great children," Ms. Yen advised parents. Personalized education is a journey to help children find themselves, not to become selfish.

Open space for dialogue on educational innovation

The seminar on educational innovation in the digital age is part of the event series "Giving a voice on educational innovation" organized by Maya Bilingual High School at the Workshop space - Interdisciplinary Creativity Festival 2024 from October 26 to November 10.

The event series attracts special attention from the education community, parents and students through seminars, workshops and educational practice sessions, emphasizing the comprehensive development of learners.

Source: https://dantri.com.vn/giao-duc/phu-huynh-nghi-gi-khi-giao-vien-co-hinh-xam-20241026230645016.htm