Respect is due to everyone regardless of race, gender, sexual orientation, age, religion, physical attractiveness, disability, status, pregnancy, etc. Otherwise, it is discrimination.

What stuns me is that within 24 hours in Australia recently, the police were seen as heroes one day. The following day when they responded to a call for help, their cars were trashed.

Respect is treating people how you would like them to treat you.

Law enforcement officers maintain law and order and protect the community from harm.

Most people show respect by following the instructions of these officers when responding to a threat to community safety.

Some people think they are either above the law, taking it into their own hands, or both.

Justice must prevail in these situations.

Law enforcement and paramedics should feel safe going anywhere. Where is our society heading when threats emerge?

It’s understandable if individuals hesitate to offer assistance when their safety is at risk.

Who would blame them? I suspect the loudest complaints would come from those who had previously disrespected them but want their help now.

By comparison, the police officer who took down the offender at the first event showed respect by immediately providing CPR.

Even though the police officer may have been aware of the killings that had taken place, she still had respect for human life.

Paramedics also show respect for all lives by attempting to save lives, even when off duty. They do not judge or condemn before helping; they help.

As parents, we must teach our children that our differences arise from various factors.

We must emphasise that there is no absolute right or wrong unless someone is treated in a harmful way.

Using metaphors to explain to children is helpful. For example, you could walk through a garden with your child and explain how every flower or plant is different and has its purpose.

Some like full sun, some like sun and shade, and some like shade only.

Please speak to your child about how they all don’t thrive in the same heat, and some of the plants we have right here aren’t anywhere else in the world and vice versa.

Bullying is like trying to get a plant that only grows in the shade to grow in full sun, and some people don’t know that and try to force plants or people to do things that aren’t right for them.

Let your child know it’s important to accept people for who they are, even when they have different beliefs, skin colours, religions, or anything else.

Helping your child understand that individual differences are positive will enable them to recognize and accept the diversity they encounter, fostering a more inclusive mindset.

Our world would be better if people accepted each other for who and what they are rather than attempting to impose their hurtful actions or beliefs on others, particularly when harming people who are kind, accepting and helpful to them.