Zero tolerance to deviant behaviour in schools

Minister of State with responsibility for Crime Prevention Corey Lane has urged parents not to panic about school security, even as the Barbados Union of Teachers (BUT) called for action to be taken to deal with the growing problem of violence in schools.

The advice and call came on the heels of recent reports of stabbings and other acts of violence at the island’s educational institutions.

The comments were also triggered by an incident at the Deighton Griffith Secondary School on Thursday to which police responded.

Several parents gathered outside the gates of the Kingsland, Christ Church school after hearing that a stabbing had occurred, with one complaining that “almost every day is some sort of violent act”.

“It’s very frustrating, not only for the parents but also the good students that are trying to make something of themselves,” lamented Corey Rose.

However, principal Major Michael Boyce made clear there was no stabbing incident on Thursday.

“Contrary to reports circulating on social media today, there was no stabbing or shooting at the Deighton Griffith School. This morning, school officials became aware that someone impersonating a student was on the compound. School officials moved quickly to apprehend the individual and the police were called. The individual later jumped the school fence and left the compound, but the police arrived at the school to take a statement on the incident,” he said.

“While the police were present, an incident broke out between two students. School officials also quickly responded to this situation and shut it down.

Additionally, a student experienced a panic episode. The student’s parent was contacted and the ambulance was called. We are happy to report that this student is now at home and is resting.”

Minister Lane said that while he understood parents’ fears and concerns, “this is not the time to get all hysterical”.

“We need to work together…. This is the time for parents to parent and the community [to play their part],” he said in an interview with Barbados TODAY.

“Parents, I am asking you to [talk to your children]. I am asking you to find some energy and time to do something about this. Each one, reach one. Each parent should find time to talk to their children. That is an excellent first step in the national appeal.”

Lane indicated that one of the immediate solutions is having a team of mediators working with the Ministry of Education to investigate the source of the issues.

“What we are trying to do is to get ahead of it as a short-term measure. We want to get ahead of all retaliations and all feuds. We need the help of everyone, so if anyone knows anyone who is planning revenge I think they must get this information to the authorities,” he said.

Long-term solutions, the Minister said, would involve all stakeholders.

“In the long haul, we have quite a number of programmes but I’m not doing all. The church has part, the state, the police, the schools and parents [have part]. It is a collaborative effort,” Lane said.

BUT president Rudy Lovell said the authorities needed to get a handle on the situation.

“Violence is increasing in our schools and teachers are fearful. It is time for action to address this serious problem. Students are leaving home for school with scissors and knives instead of textbooks, pens, and pencils. Parents must check their children’s bags before they leave home in the morning. Furthermore, parents should beseech their children to follow the right path,” he said.

Lovell further stressed that “schools cannot fulfil their role as places of learning and socialisation if children are not in an environment free of violence”.

“Acts of violence at our schools or by our school children only serve to diminish the positive gains teachers and students are making in the educational system,” the union leader said.

Chief Education Officer Dr Ramona Archer-Bradshaw, in an official statement on the matter, said there would be zero tolerance for violence in schools.

“The Ministry of Education Technological and Vocational Training has been made aware of the violent behaviours by some school children across the island. We understand that the school is a microcosm of society and, as such, one expects the behaviours that are prevalent in society to be manifested in the classroom. However, I want to make it clear to the students, parents and guardians that the Ministry has zero tolerance for violence in schools,” she said.

Meanwhile, chair of the Democratic Labour Party’s Working Group on Education, Melissa Savourey Gittens called for more to be done to secure the school environment and also stressed the need for additional counsellors to be assigned to schools.
(MR)