Tackling school violence

THE EDITOR: To tackle a social problem, one has to (a) identify the cohort experiencing/causing the problem; (b) hypothesise on the causes of the problem; and (c) craft interventions with a high likelihood of success, taking into account unanticipated consequences.

In relation to school violence, it is clear from the videos that such incidents almost always involve students of African descent, both male and female. Further investigation would most likely reveal that these students come from single-mother households and are doing poorly academically.

Possible causes: (1) interpersonal conflict/bullying; (2) stealing money; (3) gang rivalries.

Possible solutions would include therapy, expulsion (not suspension, which obviously has not worked) and, for the most recalcitrant offenders, sentencing to the Youth Training Centre (YTC).

A more long-term solution would be revamping the school curriculum so children who fit the at-risk profile are only taught practical subjects (woodwork, plumbing, masonry, cooking, sewing) and English and mathematics at a level they can handle.

This will make them less frustrated, more committed to school, and less likely to get into fights for fear of expulsion.

JENSEN RUSHTON

San Fernando