EDITORIAL

Teachers have once again reiterated their frustrations, concerns and anger at the situation they face in some of our public schools. This comes on the heels of continued reports of fights, weapons that are brought into those institutions, and violence against teachers.

Schools are a microcosm of the society, and whatever is being experienced in the school reflects what is happening in society as a whole. In the last few months in particular, we have witnessed enough to be concerned about gun play and general violence. And we have to admit that there is a serious indiscipline among a minority of children that has yet to be tackled cohesively and holistically.

We unequivocally believe that teachers have a right to enjoy a safe, healthy environment free of violence and harm. If a disruptive, violent child must be temporarily removed to achieve this, it must be immediately actioned. As was quoted in yesterday’s Barbados Advocate, according to information provided by President of the Barbados Secondary Teachers’ Union, Mary Ann Redman, “since the beginning of this school term, there have been at least five violent, student-on-teacher incidents, four of which were against female teachers”. Five incidents are five too many, and the fact that these five occurred in one term that isn’t yet finished clearly shows a worrying trend that must be nipped in the bud.

However, we must also ask critical questions that could shape how we handle delinquent teenagers on a whole. Schools already have disciplinary codes where infractions are punished accordingly, but suspensions and expulsions may not fix the larger issue. What happens after a child is suspended from school? Ultimately, if troublesome teenagers are completely ejected from the school system, where will they go and in whose company will they mix?

While Barbadians often clamour for justice and punishment, one needs to look at all possible scenarios to work out what is best for the long-term future of schools, society and Barbados.

There must be aggressive, intervention programmes for at-risk youth present in each primary and secondary school that are targeted at repeat offenders, so their descent into further trouble is halted. Of course this approach is to be presented as a team effort, with contributions from the Criminal Justice Unit, school guidance counsellors and/or social workers, parents, principals and the police. We envision a scenario where parties meet together to determine what is the best approach per child that involves active rehabilitation; because each child’s case is unique and should be treated accordingly, their rehabilitation should be so structured.

Ultimately, the meeting tomorrow with the Prime Minister will reveal what plans the state has to resolve the situation, as well as other matters to be discussed. Behaviours can be unlearnt but we need positive role models and sustained efforts to turn the tide effectively and stamp out this delinquent slide.

Talk to any current or retired teacher and they will quickly convey how dire the situation is. We cannot continue to ignore this problem, because to do so would mean creating a breeding ground for more problems to continue. There should be a zero-tolerance approach to children harming their peers, teachers or non-academic staff, but we must carefully examine what steps should be further taken to effectively solve the problem.