Apply The Value Of Honesty In Families To Help Prevent Corruption Early

Instilling the value of honesty in the family can be the first step in anti-corruption education for children.

According to clinical psychologist Ratih Zulhaqqi's son, S.Psi, M.Psi, honesty must be taught from an early age. Parents are also expected to accept children's honest behavior in a supportive way, not by giving excessive judgments or punishments.

"For example, when children dare to admit their mistakes, parents need to respond with an attitude of accepting before giving an assessment. That way, children feel supported to act honestly and not afraid to admit the mistakes that have been made," Ratih said in an interview on Thursday, as quoted by Antara.

In addition, children need to be given an understanding of the importance of respecting the rights of others. For example, not taking something without permission or forcing them to borrow goods from friends.

"Children need to understand ownership is important. If something is not theirs, they must first ask for permission, and should not take other people's belongings carelessly," he added.

According to Ratih, parents can introduce the bad effects of corruption on children in a way that suits their age. For example, using a picture storybook or other visual media that attracts the attention of children.

Then parents also need to equip themselves with sufficient knowledge of corruption in order to provide concrete examples to children. This makes it easier for children to understand that every dishonest act has consequences.

Ratih gave an example of the daily situation as a simple picture of acts of corruption, such as cheating during the exam, not complying with the rules of time (time corruption), or abusing money deposited for certain purposes.

For example, children are asked to give alms with the money given, but instead used to buy something. Parents need to explain that this behavior has consequences, although it may provide temporary pleasure. However, the consequences that arise are usually more and detrimental," he explained.

Ratih encourages parents to often discuss with their children about honesty and the impact of dishonest actions. In this way, children better understand the importance of acting with integrity.

"Parents can set simple examples in everyday life to show that even though fraudulent acts provide temporary benefits, the consequences are much greater and detrimental," Ratih said.

With an approach that is in accordance with the development of children's age and open communication, education on anti-corruption values can be instilled effectively from an early age.