The Ministry of Education says it continues to be concerned about the level of
violence among young people within the education system noting that this trend
has escalated over the past year.
And according to Director of Education, Clare Browne, this violence has impacted
schools, homes, social events and anywhere young people gather. In fact, the
director revealed that a study has indicated that the attacks on other young people
are not random acts, but are the results of systematically planned incidents.
“These attacks are not reaction to an incident but are planned attacks with fore
warned messages sent to the intended victims via social media. Following an
assessment of the incidents and individuals involved, a number of variables have
been identified which allow the for development of profiles and the intervention
that are required if the society is to break this cycle of violence,” he disclosed.
The assessment by the Student Support Department in the ministry has identified a
number of risk factors that helped to perpetuate the violence. These include;
members of dysfunctional family environment where physical and emotional
needs are not being met
a history of behavioral or mental health issues. In some cases, parents did
not follow through with intervention, or the social system did not adequately
support the individual
School related issues include poor academic performance, literacy issues and
truancy
A number of risk factors have also been identified. These are family dysfunction,
peer pressure, low socio-economic status, substance abuse, mental health issues,
exposure to violence, lack of natural support and accessibility to violence.
The protective factors have been listed as, strong family support, supportive peer
relationship, access to education, community involvement, mentorship, access to
mental health services and positive future outlook.
Browne noted that any intervention plan to stem youth violence would include
community involvement to include schools, the church, civil society groups,
establishing partnerships with law enforcement, develop substance-free zones
around schools, community centers and all student-related activities, especially
sports, and the training of community members as conflict mediators.
