School Violence

The Education Ministry is seeking to address violence in schools, even as we continue to see videos circulating on social media of our young children indulging in gravely undisciplined behaviour.
Only one day ago, the Police reported that a teenager was attacked and beaten by a group of schoolboys on his way home from school. He remains hospitalised, and one of the teens involved in the beating was arrested.
While the incident occurred outside of school, it is imperative that this matter be addressed urgently. Over the years, the fortified position taken by the Education Ministry for mandatory counselling, suspension, and transfer of these bullies must be commended.
The Ministry has also committed to safe and supportive learning spaces for all students.
It’s imperative that schools continue to prioritise the well-being and safety of their students, fostering an inclusive and respectful community where every individual feels valued and protected. It is equally important that these values be taught and enforced in homes across the country.
Over time, questions have been raised regarding the stark reality in many of our schools when violence surrounds young people of varying ages on our streets, on our television screens, on game consoles, on our phones, in our neighbourhoods, and, for too many, even in our homes.
To help curb this escalating situation, which has existed for years and has been hard to control, the Education Ministry is continuing its campaigns on bullying and any other undisciplined behaviour in schools.
In some schools in the USA, metal detectors are common, as is sometimes 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.
Violence in schools is not confined there and is prevalent in many other places. In Guyana, we have, in the past, seen a collaboration between the Guyana Police Force and the Education Ministry, wherein random searches were conducted at schools for potential weapons.
Surprisingly, screwdrivers, knives, scissors, and toy guns were found during some of these random searches.
Only recently, the principal and teacher of the West Ruimveldt Secondary School convened a meeting with parents during which a quantity of these items which had been accumulated over several years were on display.
This was done to encourage parents to be more vigilant and aware of what their children may be bringing onto the school premises.
But an important aspect of the Education Ministry’s collaboration with the Police is that the partnership involves discussions on topics of violence, crimes 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 would have become a primary concern?
Solace must not be taken in living in a changing world. Violence, over the years, and its extensive coverage through the media have led to seeming immunity to the gory images, which now make 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 in order 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 about the reasons why students act the way they do and the spread of violence, immediate mitigating measures have to be derived and implemented.
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 signs.
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 interventions to some extent, which further complicates an already complicated situation.
The Ministry should not refrain from taking action against students who breach the Maintenance of Order and Discipline Policy in school, which includes expulsion, suspension, and mandatory psychosocial counselling.