Bullying, phone use not an issue at Fatima

Fatima College Principal Fr Gregory Augustine says neither bullying nor the use of cellphones during school hours are issues at the school.

He was speaking on Thursday during the annual prize and certificate distribution at the school in Mucurapo.

Last month, Education Minister Anthony Garcia called for principals to enforce a ban on cell phones with cameras in all schools in the wake of the circulation of a video involving two Form Two students from the school, engaged in an act which was described as a prank. On the banning of cellphones with cameras, Augustine said he does not know if that is possible, as there are few phones without a camera.

“We have to teach them to use the device responsibly.” Asked about policies implemented since the incident with the video, Augustine said the school continued the policies from before. “As was realised, it was a foolish act of a child 12 years old. That is what it was. And so he learned his mistake, he learned his error and he is well adjusted and so on.”

He said people had to be prudent in the use of technology. On the ministry’s policy of banning phones with cameras, Augustine said the school followed the directive. He explained that the policy is students’ phones must be turned off from the time they enter the school premises in the morning and may be switched on after classes have ended for the day.

On school violence, Augustine said Fatima engenders a culture of care and concern for others. He said he did not like the word “bullying” and believes it is “overplayed.” He said people may take advantage of each other and must trained and taught that this is not the answer. Students will have disagreements from time to time, but they have to work out their differences.