The Education Ministry is seeking to address violence in schools even as we continue to seen videos circulating on social media with our young children indulging in in grave indiscipline behaviour.
Sometime ago, a columnist for this publication in one of her columns had asked the question if we are indeed surprised of this stark reality in many of our schools when violence surrounds young people of varying ages, on our streets, on our television screen, on game consoles, on our phones, in our neighbourhoods and for too many, even in our homes.
To help curb this escalating situation that has exited for years and has been hard to get under control the Education Ministry is continuing its campaigns in schools on bullying and any other indiscipline behaviour.
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.
Another menace is bullying.
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.
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.
In the past, we have seen several teachers being beaten by parents, and also, in the past, there were several cases in which students fought their teachers. 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. The recent fight among New Campbellville Secondary School students, which was posted on social media, is a good example of violence in schools.
Those represent reported cases, as the understanding is that many cases 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, have led to seeming immunity to the gory images, and 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, 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 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.
We support the ministry when it said on Thursday when it reiterated its disapproval of violence in schools as it aims to ensuring that “students can learn in a safe and conducive environment.”
The ministry should not hold back its hand on students, who breach of the Maintenance of Order and Discipline Policy in school which includes expulsion, suspension and mandatory psychosocial counselling.
