PSOJ wants multi-stakeholder approach to addressing school violence

 

The Private Sector Organisation of Jamaica (PSOJ) is calling for a comprehensive, multi-stakeholder approach to address violence within schools.

 

In a media statement on Monday, the PSOJ said, while data do not indicate an increase in overall school violence, the high visibility of these incidents is a clear call to action for all parties involved in shaping the minds of future generations.

 

Speaking Tuesday on the Morning Agenda, on Power 106 FM, PSOJ President Metry Seaga said the private sector is deeply troubled by what appears to be the normalisation of violence among young people. 

 

"It's just abhorrent and we need to find a way to get people to the place that, listen, if I see this I'm just deleting it, I'm just not accepting it, not videoing it. We need to get kids to jump in and say, 'Listen, guys, this is not acceptable behaviour; we're not accepting it'. But we have people that are egging it on, that are videoing it and that's what we have to try to change. This is not a quick fix, you know. We're not going to implement something today and we see it fixed tomorrow," he admitted. 

 

The PSOJ stresses that identifying students at risk of engaging in violence or anti-social behaviour is critical to getting ahead of the problem.

 

As a result, the private sector body is proposing a strategic use of data from existing interventions to equip educators and counsellors with tools for early detection and effective response.

 

The PSOJ is also recommending the establishment of school-based Dispute Resolution Centres integrated within guidance counselling units and the offices of Deans of Discipline.

 

It adds that the centres should be staffed by conflict resolution professionals who would provide a structured avenue for amicably resolving conflicts.

 

Additionally, the PSOJ is urging the government to make legislative amendments to enhance the ability of education administrators and law enforcement to crack down on gang recruitment and other anti-social activities in schools.

 

It said a strong legal deterrent framework and proactive social interventions can dismantle the herd mentality that perpetuates violence and lawlessness among the nation's children.