The discovery of vast number of deadly weapons over the last six months mostly from school students is an indication that schools have become somewhat of a war zone. These include over 1,000 knives, 250 ice picks, over 200 scissors and several home-made firearms.

It seems as if violence is becoming more important in the system than books. A problem, hat if not addressed, could cause numerous serious if not deadly occurances. What do you think can be done to address this problem?

Well, I think a holistic approach has to be taken, where you incorporate the teachers, parents, government officials and schools to meet and look at strategies to curb this problem. Also the dancehall music that is played evidently has a major influence in teens right now so I think these artistes need to send a more positive message in their lyrics.

Christopher Wilson

It seems like the norm to have weapons now a days. It shows the deterioration of society. To lessen the amount of weapons is to have each student searched upon entry with metal detectors. School is for learning not for violence.

Jheanelle Gunzelle

I believe that if students are provided with more guidance and security within and outside of schools, then there will be a significant decrease in weapons being taken to schools. The reason students take weapons to school is because of a lack of security and feeling safe at school. Police and teachers need to assist students to ensure that they are safer.

Jordan Steer

Well, the issue may be attacked from several angles. Firstly, the parents may play a role by searching their children before going to school and sometimes randomly search them when they get complacent. Also parents, who drive should check their vehicles to ensure that weapons are not being stored inside. Secondly, schools can increase security at strategic points to ensure that nothing is passed over the fence or hidden on the compound. Also random weekly inspection should be done to decrease the chances of the accumulation of the weapons. If the need arises for knives, scissors and other sharp instruments to be used at school then these should be provided by the school and labelled.

Shanice Evelyn

Most weapons are metallic so metal detectors should or can be considered. That definitely beats physical searching. And if a student is caught with weapons, I believe the school should take strict measures to as to expel the student and report the matter to the police. This will help to hinder the amount they take to school.

Jayson Henry

Using metal detectors at schools so that the weapons can be detected and pointing out the dangers of carrying weapons would help to limit the number of weapons present. Furthermore, having social worker in the school and well experienced guidance counsellors to deal with violence in schools can help to make it a safer place. Parents also need to distilled disciple in their children. However, it is student body that need to help to guide their fellow peer and not fall to peer pressure.

Rushawn Bell