Dear Editor,
Over the past few years and most recently, we have seen a clear demonstration of violence among youths in our streets, communities but primarily in our schools. This has drawn the attention of civic society and the wider public, including parents and other individuals. Therefore, I would like to underscore some possible solutions that can be taken to assist with this progressive social contention. Firstly, after reflecting and reading previous stories of severe instances and the proof that these challenges are expanding, I choose to put forward that there should be a transparent assessment of schools in which these actions are increasing and occurring so that efficient and effective mechanisms can be developed to address them. It is alarming that students who are witnessing these acts of extremism are delighted and finding pleasure as they happen and unfold before them. Needless to say, that the ones conducting the actions are fearlessly and confidently exhibiting their violent behaviours in front of others with no sense of remorse or conviction. No matter the opinion and perspective, these actions cannot be condoned especially in an educational environment.
In light of the two most current situations where we saw a young school boy being kicked in the head and about his body by another male student and in the other instance where a female student was seen hitting and slapping a student in her face, urges us to consider the volatility of the school environment. As such, I wish to propose that schools need to host and implement regular mental health initiatives and programmes to educate and sensitize students on conflict resolution and management, and emotional intelligence management. As a consequence, these programmes should enlighten them of the impacts and effects of their actions on others. On the other hand, much of what we see being portrayed by students of today, is shaped by a number of factors, some of which can include the music that they listen to, many of which are filled with lyrics that contain explicit language and content that can influence their actions and traits; the home in which they are being raised – many students can be experiencing challenges in the home where they are neglected of basic love, care and attention by their parents and family members. Also, students can be mirroring what they see at home and what is lacking in their households.
As a result of their emotional trauma, they cannot manage their emotions and feelings well so they, as we would say, “last-out” or “act out”. We can all attest that our generation has shifted and so has the norms and values resulting in many youths being overwhelmed. Nevertheless, there still remains fundamental principles and social norms that have not changed. Equally important, is that we need to teach our students to accept who and where they are while striving for a better life. Thus, students need more mentorship and personal discussions that can help them navigate through their personal conflicts and provide them with psychosocial support. Moreover, schools and the Ministry of Education should conduct an appraisal through a survey regarding the safety of students at schools and the environments in which they are required to attain their education. This will help students and parents to give their views in an unbiased and impartial manner so that the government can determine how crucial and urgent the matter is in respective institutions. Further, parents of children caught in these extreme acts resulting in injuries, and in some cases, life threatening wounds should be held accountable in cases where they are not supportive in investigations. In like manner, these cases should not be treated any differently from usual criminal cases. If we cannot constructively supervise the direction of these youths in conflict now, then it is possible that such controversial acts will one day spiral out of control leading to more severe harm.
Likewise, head teachers and teachers should be held liable in situations where more than one complaints were made with clear evidence of bullyism and victimization of students by other students where they refuse to take necessary actions to address the issue (s). While we can argue that teachers are already overburdened with many other responsibilities, the fact that many of these incidents are happening in the classrooms and on the schools’ properties make it their duty to respond first. At the same time, I will contend that there is a limit to what the teachers can do. As a result, it would be wise for the Ministry of Education to consider installing cameras in the schools for more coherent and well regulated monitoring of the events and activities that occur within the educational facility. In conclusion, schools should be a place of learning and students and teachers should be comfortable doing so. Hence, anyone who infringes on the soundness of this space should be reprimanded accordingly as they prevent others from their purpose of learning and acquiring an education. Besides, we are witnessing too many of these disorderly behaviours frequently. As a consequence, it is my hope that that the relevant authorities would review some of these suggestions and take them into account.
Sincerely,
Imran Bacchus
