In some schools in the USA, metal detectors are common as sometimes is the presence of a Police patrol on the outskirts. Some may be tempted to ask why in a country that is rich and is the bastion of freedom and democracy. Others may counter that exactly because of what the country represents, it can afford to have such mechanisms in place. The answer basically lies in trying to curb violence in schools.
While the measures may appear to some as being extreme, given what unfortunately happened in the past when lives were senselessly lost to bullets, they may be deemed inadequate. After all, it has not stopped. Other menaces are bullying and gang-related violence. These are the harsh realities in some institutions of learning there, with an obvious negative impact on the student population involved.
It is not confined there and is prevalent in many other places. In Guyana, we have seen a collaboration between the Guyana Police Force and the Education Ministry where random searches are being conducted at schools for potential weapons. Surprisingly, screwdrivers, knives, scissors, and a toy gun were found during the most recent of these random searches.
This comes on the heels of two terrifying incidents in local schools where in one instance a gang entered the Campbellville Secondary School with dangerous items after an incident between two students, causing the school to forcibly halt. The second incident happened a mere day prior where a student was caught in school with an air gun.
An important aspect of the Education Ministry’s collaboration with the Police is that the partnership involves discussion on topics of violence, crime committed at schools, gang fighting, offensive weapons and, significantly, consequences.
Who would have thought that in the process of getting an education here in Guyana, safety in schools is becoming a primary concern? With the threats in question, it seems rightfully so.
Sometime ago, there were reports of a teacher who was severely beaten reportedly by a student. Over time, there were other reports of students being stabbed by others or hurt by other means. Bullying, which is just another form of abuse, and even violence, was reported to be highly prevalent in many schools.
Those represent reported cases as the understanding is many are unreported out of fear of repercussion.
Solace must not be taken in living in a changing world. Violence over the years and its extensive coverage through the media has led to seeming immunity to the gory images and now makes for casual reading.
This must not be allowed to slip into the mindsets of students and teachers. They must be free from such psychological stress and be able to focus on learning to build much needed capacity for the future of the country. All have an integral role to play in helping to repel this scourge.
While there may be compelling arguments over what may be the reasons perpetrators act the way they do and the spread of violence, immediate mitigating measures have to be derived and implemented.
Police random searches, while welcomed and a potential deterrent, may not be enough in the long term as sustainability could become an issue.
Many have argued that parents and guardians need to be more involved and aware of what their children are doing, keeping an eye on any possible worrying sign. While that could still be effective in many ways, there is a challenge as the child approaches adulthood. At that stage, one’s space and privacy could present barriers. There are also social factors that contribute to disallowing such necessary intervention to some extent. That further complicates an already-complicated situation.
Currently, the fear that prevails within the mindsets of parents, students, and teachers of the school in question is understandable. They would need guidance, reassurance, and solutions in both the short and long term. The situation would probably demand the establishment of a non-partisan special task force comprising skilled personnel from the relevant sections of Government and civil society to examine and recommend practical solutions within the shortest possible time.
Whatever the findings are, the resources must be found to implement, given what’s at stake. If not, the fun in learning could be evaporated.
