Dear Editor,

There has been renewed calls and debates about hairstyles in schools, what should and should not be the norm. Ongoing dialogue does not address issues such as violence prevention, sex education, promiscuity among the very young, among other social ills.

A balanced approach in tackling the aforementioned should be had. Too much focus on students’ hair and grooming dominated the reopening of school. A clear understanding of what is acceptable should have been presented to all stakeholders and the seriousness of school allowed to permeate.

On Thursday, September 28 a student from BB Coke High School mercilessly pummelled another male student for stepping on his seemingly most prized possession, his Clarks shoes.

This is quite repugnant, disturbing, heartbreaking and leaves much to ponder about the state of the society in which we live and are raising children.

Attention should now be focused on preparing our children to be more gentle and kinder to each other. It cannot be that the first option is violence. Children should be taught conflict resolution. The home is the first school. The school environment does not and cannot provide all the answers.

On introspection, the relevant authorities should bring back the Values and Attitudes Programme, launched by former Prime Minister PJ Patterson in 1994, which served to promote attitudinal change and social renewal.

Commendations are in order for the boys who were seen struggling with the badly injured student to get him to a medical facility. Commendations, too, to the ministers of Education and Youth and Health and Wellness, Fayval Williams and Dr Christopher Tufton, who stepped in and expeditiously sought the service of an ambulance to transfer him to the University Hospital of the West Indies, where he is currently undergoing treatment. They have also expressed their commitment to providing the support needed for full recovery.

We wish for this student a speedy recovery and continued support for him and his family.

All is not lost. Together we can.

Sekard

jadrakes60@gmail.com