Samuel Smalling, President of the National Association of Deans of Discipline
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NADD President Samuel Smalling, speaking with Smile Jamaica co-host Simone Clarke-Cooper on Thursday
There is a recommendation for treatment centres to be established in the Ministry of Education's six regions for undisciplined students.
President of the National Association of Deans of Discipline (NADD), Samuel Smalling says videos which have gone viral on social media showing acts of defiance among students represent only a fraction of the challenges educators face daily.
The discussion is taking place within the context of a recent video showing a female student from Edwin Allen High School in Clarendon erasing a teacher's writing from a white board.
On Wednesday, Education Minister Fayval Williams told the post Cabinet media briefing that she was awaiting an update from the school.
Speaking Thursday on TVJ's Smile Jamaica, Mr. Smalling said the issue is widespread.
As he struggled to make sense of the "level of disrespect" shown by the student in the video, he suggested that had he been the teacher involved, he would have ensured there was clear communication and urged the student to "desist from doing that".
Mr. Smalling has encouraged teachers to set ground rules for their classes, as it is the inexperienced educator who is likely to be challenged.
He also believes there needs to be an increase in the resources available to school administrators to respond to indiscipline.
As such, Mr. Smalling recommends the Ministry of Education set up treatment centres in all its regions "with the necessary resources" including of psychologists, social workers, counsellors, and even members of the army.
He said while the Child Protection and Family Services Agency (CPFSA) continues to do its job, it has nowhere to send students in need of discipline or psychological help.
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