There will be no true successful society on the face of this earth, without preservation of positive values such as respect for each other, and the right to free expression with dignity, irrespective of cultural, racial or political differences. These are common values that form the foundation for any society hoping to better arm the next generation, to meet challenges in trying to build a better world.

There will be those who differ on what constitutes proper values for living, but most people will agree that being honest, truthful and having respect for each other could lead to healthier environments for any society large or small.

An important factor, is that children who represent the future should be taught proper values not only by parents or guardians, but also by those in positions of power, by their actions in carrying out their duty in serving the people.

In a world awash with bitterness, hatred and mistrust in so many countries, including democracies, young people globally could be wondering whether there is any hope for a future where there would be true freedom from regimes that use force to silence those who voice objections to their policies.

Years ago, people could be brutally silenced without much of the world knowing what was happening.

Today, with a powerful free press, and cameras that transmit around the world in seconds, the world can witness events as though they were taking place next door. Not much can be hidden in this cyberspace era.

In any country, large or small, democratic or dictatorial, the fate of the children will always be a concern.

When people hear stories of children being separated from parents forcefully, regardless of the reason, they know seeds of trauma are being planted that could later grow into resentment towards the world.

These days, when the camera can often show the world the impact of such an event, one can only wonder whether common values have been shoved under the bus for political gain, or children no longer matter.

After recent mass shootings in the United States that claimed many lives, there still appears to be a reluctance by authorities to ban powerful weapons used in war, that end up in the hands of criminals.

To most people, it seems insane to permit the sale of such weapons on the basis that the constitution allows people to arm themselves. On that basis a person should be permitted to own rocket launchers or bazookas. Certainly not rabbit-hunting tools.

While debate continues on this subject, children are not only being taught what to do if someone enters a school and starts shooting, but this year many children are now wearing bullet proof back packs. It is truly the age of gun madness.

The problem could be gun sales versus the lives of innocent people. Much of the country is waiting for the right move to get weapons of war out of the hands of civilians.

The children of this world are the future whether any government likes it or not.

The real point here is that children have no voice, and in brutal military conflicts in various regions many perish each year as though they were just useless pawns in a game of real-life chess.

Many of these children have never known a day without having to seek cover from bombs that leave houses flattened and families destroyed.

Our world leaders instead of being locked in a battle to maintain and hold power, should realise that although they have enough weapons to turn the earth into smoking ruins, they also have the capacity to use such power to improve life for all, if only they would push their egos beneath the bus, and openly accept the fact that decency and respect are the best tools to build a better world.

It would be a far better world for all, especially our children, because when all is said and done, the only way forward, lies in the preservation of proper life values. The clock is ticking.