Schools turning into battlefields, says JTA president

 

The Jamaica Teachers' Association (JTA) says some public schools have become battlefields as educators face increasing violence among students. 

 

JTA President La Sonja Harrison is appealing for intervention from the Church, in addition to greater support from the Ministry of Education to address the triggers of conflict among students.

 

Mrs Harrison said the factors behind violent outbursts from students are varied, but usually stem from problems in the home. 

 

She suggested that many students come to school already frustrated by situations within their household, then when they arrive, they are put in overcrowded classes and have no space to themselves.  

 

"So as soon as somebody say a wrong thing or get on your nerves or even step on your toe, you drop your bag, that kind of thing. So we find that there is much anger and some frustration on the part of our children and it is all stemming from their home situation most times... and so, we really need to pray in addition to the strategies that we’re going to be employing," she asserted. 

 

The JTA president said educators are intimidated by students, some of whom are said to be part of gangs. 

 

Educators have also been intervening in fights at their own risk but Ms. Harrison disclosed that there is no insurance coverage for teachers injured on the job.

 

While she noted that teachers are expected to act if students are fighting, she urged them to protect their own lives, especially if the students have weapons. 

 

The JTA president, who was a guest on the Morning Agenda on Power 106, has also chastised the government for the inadequate number of guidance counsellors assigned to schools.

 

Ms. Harrison supports the call from the National Association of Deans of Discipline for time-out facilities to be set up for delinquent students. 

 

"We’re not asking for the children to go to prison or juvenile centres. We need facilities that are so properly resourced with social workers, psychologists, psychiatrists and persons who will treat with their spiritual welfare as well, to support the children in those settings and then reintegrate them into the regular school setting," she appealed.