Morality studies get thumbs up

The Education Ministry will be asked to amend the school curriculum by increasing study hours for religion and morality to reduce violent incidents plaguing society.

The proposal is being prepared by the House committee on religion, art and culture which yesterday discussed research findings which link violent behaviour with anti-social activities online.

More time learning about religion, morality and culture at school should help overcome this problem and "we've agreed that students at all levels should spend at least 80 hours a year on these subjects," committee chairman Suchat Usaha said.

He pointed to young children and teenagers being influenced by social media, voicing concern they may imitate anti-social or violent behaviour they see online.

Morality studies will "make kids more mindful and enable them to differentiate between good and bad acts," Mr Suchat said.

The committee's proposal will be sent to Education Minister Nataphol Teepsuwan and Office of the Basic Education Commission's secretary-general Amnat Wichayanuwat.