Guardianship and School Safety: Building Positive Roles to Protect Children

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Public figure Sergei Bezrukov used a Telegram channel to share thoughts on protecting children from all forms of abuse, both physical and psychological. He stressed that safeguarding starts with the adults in a child’s life and that society has a duty to build environments where kids feel secure and supported. The core message centered on how everyday behavior by grownups shapes young minds and the importance of modeling healthy conduct for the next generation.

Bezrukov compared children to sponges that absorb attitudes, language, and patterns of behavior from adults just as readily as water soaks into a sponge. He urged grownups to be unmistakable, positive examples, showing kindness to others, speaking honestly, and pursuing justice. The argument was that when adults demonstrate these values consistently, children tend to mirror them, which leads to calmer, more respectful interactions within families, schools, and communities.

From his perspective, nurturing such positive role models can help reduce incidents of bullying among young people. He recalled a childhood memory sparked by the story of Scarecrow, a tale that was at once terrifying and captivating. The memory served as a reminder of how powerful storytelling can be in shaping imagination and, more importantly, in illustrating the emotional toll of intimidation and fear that a vulnerable pupil may endure at the hands of peers.

Scarecrow, adapted from Vladimir Zheleznikov’s novel, centers on Lena Bessoltseva, a girl who endures bullying by her peers. The film’s ensemble included notable performers who contributed to a vivid portrayal of the challenges Lena faces. The discussion around the film’s themes offered Bezrukov a lens to explore how art can reveal the consequences of cruelty and the value of empathy in school life and beyond.

Earlier, television host Ksenia Borodina voiced a contrasting view, arguing that aggression should not be used as a method of teaching or disciplining children. This stance aligns with a broader conversation about parenting and classroom practices that prioritize constructive guidance over punitive measures. The exchange underscores the need for society to explore approaches that support children’s emotional well-being while maintaining clear boundaries and expectations for behavior.

In discussing these ideas, Bezrukov highlighted practical steps that families and schools can take to create safer environments. These include consistent, respectful communication; explicit discussions about rights, boundaries, and consequences; and proactive supervision that balances freedom with appropriate limits. He emphasized that adults should teach critical thinking and problem-solving, enabling children to navigate conflicts without resorting to aggression. By modeling calm, empathetic responses to anger and frustration, adults can help young people learn to cope with disappointment and peer pressure in healthier ways.

Beyond individual households, Bezrukov pointed to community-level strategies that reinforce a culture of care. Schools, clubs, and local organizations can implement clear anti-bullying policies, provide training for staff on recognizing early signs of distress, and offer accessible resources for students dealing with fear or harassment. He argued that when communities collaborate, they create a web of safety that extends beyond the classroom, helping children feel seen, valued, and protected.

Ultimately, the message centers on accountability and consistency. Adults must act as steady examples of respect, honesty, and fairness, not only when it’s easy but especially when it’s challenging. By choosing constructive responses over punitive ones and by validating children’s experiences, adults can foster resilience and trust. This approach, in turn, supports healthier relationships in school, at home, and across society, contributing to a generation that holds kindness and justice in high regard.

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