The recent surge of violence among high school teens, involving students from several schools in the Corporate Area, along with the tragic stabbing incident at Irwin High School starkly underscores a disheartening trend. These events serve as sobering reminders that the social fabric of our society is unravelling, burdened by escalating violence and a breakdown in discipline.

But Jamaica is booming. You just need to look at the construction taking place across the island — high-rise buildings pierce the clouds and highways stretch into many miles, making commute faster and signalling the likelihood of increased productivity. We are building more hotels to expand the nation’s vibrant tourism sector as we build the economy to make it more resilient to economic shocks.

While these developments are essential, the crisis of violence among “schoolers” eats away at the heart of our society — there is an obvious breakdown of discipline and decency. School violence has become disturbingly commonplace, reflecting a broader decline in values and respect for authority. The scenes of violence in our schools are both heartbreaking and infuriating. Young people, who should be focused on learning and shaping their futures, are instead engaging in brutal acts against their peers. This violence is no longer contained within school walls and speaks to a deep-seated disregard for human life and a lack of respect for life and fellow human beings.

The roots of this troubling trend can be traced to a confluence of societal influences, not solely within the home. The family, the traditional bedrock of society, is crumbling under the weight of economic pressures and shifting cultural norms.

Music is a powerful force that shapes cultural identity. It can be a source of immense joy, a platform for social commentary, and a way to connect with others. However, music also has a dark side. In Jamaica, some dancehall music glorifies violence and aggression. This normalisation can have a dangerous effect, particularly on young people. Constant exposure to lyrics that romanticise violence can desensitise them to its true gravity, making violence seem like an acceptable way to resolve conflict.

Dancehall artiste Chronic Law’s song Buss Dem Head doesn’t exist in a vacuum: “Buss dem head and laugh/ A bay murderer deh ya so, killers weh nah talk/ All a mi friends and marks, if a war you wa my friend dem dark/ A bay murderer deh ya so, mi have eh link pon wharf/ Couple new gun deh inna mi backyard/ Matic nuh old like game boy advance.”

When a teenage boy hears lyrics such as these repeatedly, they reinforce a harmful message. It subtly suggests that violence is the answer, that aggression is strength.

The research suggests that repeated exposure to violent lyrics can increase aggression, lower empathy, and make teens more likely to accept violence as normal. This isn’t about someone eventually getting his/her head ‘buss’, it’s about slowly shaping a mindset in which violence is a viable option.

Easy access to firearms and a culture that glamorises gun violence also creates a dangerous environment. Beyond these factors, indiscipline is a societal issue that permeates various aspects of daily life. From impatient and aggressive taxi drivers to a general disregard for traffic rules, a lack of order sends a conflicting message to the youth. Even the national stage, the House of Parliament , can sometimes descend into crassness, further eroding respect for authority.

These combined influences create a confusing and sometimes contradictory environment for young people in which the message of respect and responsibility can be drowned out by the constant hum of violence and indiscipline. We are not spending enough money, time, and effort in building the very structures that provide stability and nurture productive citizens among our youth. It’s time for a concerted effort to rebuild the structures that foster a safe, harmonious, peaceful, and respectful society among or “schoolers”. This means investing in programmes that:

*Nurture emotional intelligence: Jamaica needs to prioritise emotional intelligence in our youth. By integrating social-emotional learning programmes into the standard curriculum at every grade level, the nation can give students a foundation for success.

Teachers need training in facilitating discussions about healthy emotional management and expression. Age-appropriate workshops on communication, conflict resolution, and coping mechanisms will equip students with essential tools. Collaborating with non-governmental organisations to ensure accessible after-school programmes that provide safe spaces for emotional exploration can significantly aid children to develop life skills.

•Bolster social and psychological support: To truly support Jamaicans, there needs to be an increase in accessible mental health resources, such as affordable therapy and counselling services for children and their families. Training community leaders and youth workers to identify signs of distress will make it easier for those in need to get initial help. Hotlines and online platforms that offer confidentiality create spaces for vulnerable people to get support. Mental health awareness campaigns will help reduce stigma and make it less intimidating to seek the help that’s desperately needed.

• Inculcate the right values and attitudes: A key element in strengthening Jamaican society lies in reinvigorating conversations about core values like respect, responsibility, empathy, and compassion. Working with church organisations and other community leaders can help foster these values and ethical character development.

Schools can further promote strong values by integrating discussions on Jamaica’s cultural heritage, national identity, and what it means to be a responsible citizen. Mentorship programmes offering positive role models for young people will have a lasting impact on the adoption of positive values.

• Build a spiritual foundation: Building a strong spiritual foundation in children is vital for a healthy society. The Government can partner with the Jamaica Council of Churches to design a national spiritual formation programme for schools across the island. This will provide age-appropriate programmes that focus on spiritual development which will instil a sense of purpose, connection to something larger than themselves, and a framework for moral and ethical decision-making.

Encouraging family participation in faith communities strengthens the support system while modelling positive spiritual practices. Integrating discussions about faith, values, and finding meaning in life throughout the school curriculum can foster a holistic approach to development.

• Build stronger church-community relations: Fostering a true sense of community must be intentional. Organising neighbourhood events and activities that encourage positive interactions will help build trust among residents. Partnering with the local network of churches and organisations allows communities to offer beneficial programmes and services to residents from all backgrounds.

Implementing neighbourhood watch programmes builds a sense of shared responsibility for community safety, while open communication between residents and authorities can address community concerns while strengthening trust.

• Teach conflict resolution in schools: Teaching conflict resolution must be a priority. These skills should be embedded in the school curriculum for all ages, offering lessons on effective communication, negotiation, and mediation strategies. Having trained students who can act as peer mediators allows them to help their classmates come to peaceful resolutions. Workshops on conflict resolution for parents and teachers create a network of people using similar techniques.

A national platform to promote dialogue on complex social issues can guide communities in addressing challenges and fostering peaceful solutions.

While physical development is crucial for the nation’s future, it cannot be a substitute for rebuilding our social, moral, and spiritual fabric. It is imperative that we invest in programmes that nurture emotional intelligence, provide social and psychological support, rebuild core values, and promote healthy conflict resolution. This will create the environment our children need to break the cycle of violence and reach their full potential. This commitment will empower them to rise above the cycle of violence by laying down their weapons of discord.

We cannot build a truly prosperous and just Jamaica on a foundation of violence and disharmony. Together, let us build back the social, moral, and spiritual fabric of our society.

Dr Henry Lewis Jr is an associate professor at University of Technology, Jamaica, in the School of Humanities and Social Sciences. He is also a social scientist and executive life coach. Send comments to the Jamaica Observer or hjlewis@utech.edu.jm.