Tabaquite MP Anita Haynes is calling once again on the Education Ministry to implement targeted interventions to address school indiscipline and violence.
Her latest call comes on the heels of ten violent outbursts at the Tabaquite Secondary School on Thursday.
The incidents intensified to the point that school officials had to call the police.
None of the students were eventually arrested but a few were injured.
Videos showing snippets of the fights have since gone viral on social media. There were fights—the majority amongst female students—in the classrooms and across the compound.
In a release, Haynes said, “In the past two months, there have been multiple incidents of school violence in two secondary schools in the Tabaquite constituency. I have also received reports of bullying and student indiscipline from concerned parents who are legitimately worried for their children’s safety.”
She said the nationwide issue of school violence requires action that is equally widespread.
“We need to make key interventions through school curricula, such as the introduction of conflict resolution and emotional regulation courses. Through such interventions, combined with a properly resourced Student Support Services Division and the provision of reliable counselling services, children can receive the tools required to better navigate their circumstances. Rather than criminalising our students and focusing on punitive measures at the end of the line, we can adopt proactive policies that reduce the likelihood of violent outbursts altogether.”
The Education Minister, Dr Nyan Gadsby-Dolly said suspension notices will be served to the students who initiated the fights, and all students will receive the attention of the Student Support Services, including counselling, home visits and parent meetings.
The minister added that parent conferences have been requested and will be attended by School and Student Support Officials, and the TTPS to determine all the facts which gave rise to the situation.
COMMENTS