Dili Elementary Students View Morality as Kindness, Yet Mild Bullying Challenges Remain

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FORMOSA NEWS - DILI – A new study conducted by academics from the National University of Timor Lorosa'e (UNTL) reveals a compelling dynamic in how primary school children understand and practice moral values in their daily lives. Led by Alexandra de Araujo Tilman, the research published in early 2026 highlights that while students possess a strong theoretical grasp of "being good," practical challenges like mild bullying still persist in the school environment.

This research is vital as the elementary school years represent a critical transition from an egocentric mindset to a broader social understanding. The findings by Tilman and her team provide a foundational blueprint for developing more effective character education strategies in Timor-Leste and beyond.

Understanding Morality Through a Child’s Lens

To gain an authentic perspective, the research team conducted a qualitative study using a phenomenological approach at EBC Bidau Masau, a public elementary school in Dili. Twenty students from the fourth and fifth grades participated in in-depth interviews and behavioral observations.

The results show that most students define morality through simple, concrete actions: "being kind to friends" and "not lying". This understanding is deeply rooted in both social interactions and religious teachings. Some students explicitly linked bad behavior, such as stealing, to the concept of "sin," demonstrating that religious values provide a strong normative foundation for distinguishing right from wrong.

The Gap Between Empathy and Reality

In practice, the researchers observed many heartening positive behaviors, such as students helping a fallen friend or showing solidarity during difficulties. This indicates that seeds of empathy are successfully being planted in the school environment.

However, the study also uncovered a "gap" between moral theory and daily action. Alexandra de Araujo Tilman and her colleagues noted that instances of mild bullying—such as name-calling or physical teasing—still occur. These findings suggest that moral education needs to address the emotional and social development of children more creatively to bridge the gap between knowing what is right and doing what is right.

Key Factors Shaping Child Character

The research identifies two major categories of influence that shape a child's morality:

• Internal Factors: These include a child's natural empathy, their personality traits, and their spiritual or religious understanding.
• External Factors: The role of teachers as moral role models is paramount. Additionally, consistent school rules and active parental support are crucial in reinforcing the values learned in the classroom.

Recommendations for Educators and Parents

Based on the evidence, Tilman and the UNTL research team offer several strategic recommendations:

Integrate Morality Across Subjects: Moral education should not be confined to religious or civic studies but should be woven into every academic discipline to emphasize honesty and responsibility.

1. Creative Habit-Building: Schools are encouraged to implement consistent programs like "Sharing Fridays" or "Caring Friends" to foster social awareness and solidarity.
2. Home and School Synergy: Parents must act as consistent moral examples at home. The honesty and empathy shown by parents serve as the most direct blueprint for a child’s developing character.

This study confirms that building a nation's character begins with the complex interactions at the elementary level. With strong collaboration between teachers, schools, and parents, challenges like bullying can be mitigated, and a generation of noble character can be realized

Researcher Profile

The research was conducted by a team of experts from the Faculty of Education and Humanities, National University of Timor Lorosa'e (UNTL):

1. Alexandra de Araujo Tilman (Corresponding Author)
2. Manuela Monteiro Conceição, Filomeno Amaral Bria, Eduardo da Costa Guterres, Teofilo Amaral Sarmento, and Domingos Verdinal

Research Source

Article Title: Students' Understanding and Practice of Morality at EBC Bidau Masau Elementary School in Dili, Timor-Leste: A Qualitative Study Journal: International Journal of Advance Social Sciences and Education (IJASSE), Vol. 4, No. 1, 2026 Publisher: Multitech Publisher DOI: https://doi.org/10.59890/ijasse.v4i1.341

https://dmimultitechpublisher.my.id/index.php/ijasse