I am deeply concerned about the violence that is taking place in our schools. However, what is taking place is a reflection of our society.

Parents, guardians, care-givers must wake up and realise that parental guidance is lacking in our homes, and children live what they learn, and learn what they live. So children are turning to violence, stabbing and killing each other with whatever weapon they can find, as a method of resolving disputes.

If we are not careful this could become an epidemic, because state-of-the-art technology is at the doorstep of every Jamaican, and children are exposed to any and everything being shown on television, cable and this includes crime and violence. The idea of shooting everyone in sight to get rid of personal anger, to release frustrations and to gain recognition is becoming commonplace.

Complex process

I think that it is time we take note and guard against this wanton violence by our children and begin to teach them about being good, law-abiding citizens, as part of the curriculum in schools beginning from as early as basic school, up to sixth form in high schools.

Educators, parents, guardians and care-givers it is through education that we are going to make that change. Education is a complex process that draws upon the total experience of children.

All the environment in which they play, learn, eat, sleep and relax and all persons in which they come in contact - of all these experiences none has as deep an impact on their early lives as those which their parents make for them. Parental love, approval and encouragement are but few of the factors that are fundamental to their positive growth and development. Children need the support of their parents in all that they do.

Historically, in our culture, there was the extended family which supported parents in the upbringing of children. Grandparents and other close relatives were available to assist with the children's developmental needs.

The community was also a respected support group, reporting on behaviour, reprimanding when necessary, reinforcing positive values and attitudes were required. The electronic age had not yet emerged and so children had person-to-person contact through stories, jokes, games, simple play, and other activities that "nurtured" their self-esteem, their guiding principles and their social moral and intellectual growth.

Strong interest

Above all there was strong interest in their academic achievement and that interest was expressed in a close partnership between home and school. The school was an extension of the community.

Today, the situation is radically different. Parents and guardians do not have enough time for the educational well-being of their children. More and more of the responsibility of nurturing them into the social, moral and academically rounded human beings that we all wish for, is being left up to the school.

But schools cannot do it alone; the spirit of partnership must be re-awakened, embraced and revitalised.

I am, etc.,

PHILLIP WILLIAMS

wilphija@yahoo.com

4 Harribin Lane , Kingston 8