Bring crisis management to schools, urges DLP

Children’s rights advocate and Democratic Labour Party (DLP) education spokesperson Felicia Dujon has urged all schools to develop a crisis management protocol in the event of violent incidents on school grounds. The call comes in the wake of a stabbing at Alexandra School on Monday.

In a statement released on Tuesday, Dujon outlined a comprehensive “safer schools policy” drafted by her team. The policy emphasises enhanced security measures, increased mental health support, and proactive strategies to prevent violence in educational institutions.

“Schools should be free from fear and violence,” Dujon stressed, calling for immediate action to improve incident handling.

She proposed several key measures, including an emergency notification system to inform parents and guardians in real time when an emergency occurs.

“Schools should implement a real-time electronic alert system to inform parents and guardians immediately when an emergency occurs. A simple text message system could ensure that all parents are promptly notified, allowing them to take the necessary steps to protect and support their children,” Dujon said.

The DLP spokesperson also advocated for clear guidelines on dismissing students and staff during violent incidents or emergencies.

“Keeping students on campus following such events risks further emotional distress. Additionally, psychological support services should be made available to help students and staff process the trauma before resuming regular school activities,” she added.

Dujon’s proposed security measures also include deploying trained security personnel who are equipped to manage emergencies, de-escalate conflicts, and “provide a reassuring presence for students and staff”; conducting regular safety drills facilitated by appropriately trained personnel; establishing safe entry and exit protocols; and installing CCTV cameras.

“Installation of CCTV cameras throughout school premises can act as a deterrent to violence and assist in identifying individuals involved in any incidents. This surveillance should be monitored in real time to enable immediate action,” she suggested.

Dujon also called for greater collaboration with law enforcement.

Also emphasising the importance of mental health support, she said: “It is vital to provide mental health resources in schools, ensuring that students can access counselling and support in a safe and confidential environment.”

The DLP spokesperson concluded with a strong appeal: “We cannot allow violence in our schools to become normalised. We must prioritise the safety, mental health, and emotional well-being of our students and educators. I call on the Ministry of Education and all relevant stakeholders to act swiftly in implementing these measures. Our schools should be safe spaces for learning, and every effort must be made to protect those who attend them.”