THE powerful Private Sector Organisation of Jamaica (PSOJ) has issued a call to the Andrew Holness Administration to move quickly to introduce measures to address the problem of violence in the nation’s schools.

“We urge the Government to prioritise this crisis by implementing necessary legislative amendments to enhance the ability of schools and law enforcement to crack down on gang recruitment and other antisocial activities in schools,” said the PSOJ in a media release on Monday.

“Only by attacking this issue through both a strong legal deterrent framework and proactive social interventions can we hope to dismantle the herd mentality that perpetuates violence and lawlessness among our nation’s children,” added the PSOJ.

The organisation, which has several of the nation’s leading private sector entities among its members, pointed out that despite the many incidents which have gone viral recently, the statistical data do not indicate an increase in overall school violence.

But it warned that the high visibility of these events signals a critical erosion of core values, like respect for life, decency, and mutual understanding, among our nation’s youth.

“These acts represent a breakdown in essential value systems and a clear call to action for all parties involved in shaping the minds of future generations. Youth violence, whether occurring within schools or communities, often reflects deeper societal challenges rooted in homes and communities.

“This disturbing trend demands immediate and robust intervention. The PSOJ is especially troubled by the normalisation of violence, as it represents a slippery slope that cannot be tolerated if Jamaica hopes to cultivate a society of peace and prosperity,” said the PSOJ.

According to PSOJ President Metry Seaga, “We can no longer turn a blind eye to the decay of positive values that are enabling this unacceptable behaviour among our children. Restoring peace and mutual respect in our schools is not just about enhanced security measures but a holistic strategy to rebuild the very foundations of how we nurture and guide our youth.”

He said a key recommendation from the PSOJ is for the establishment of dispute resolution centres integrated within the guidance counselling units and the offices of deans of discipline in schools.

Seaga added that these school-based facilities would be staffed by conflict resolution professionals and would provide a structured avenue for amicably resolving conflicts while fostering an environment of respect, understanding, and peaceful coexistence.

The PSOJ head argued that identifying students at risk of engaging in violence or antisocial behaviour is critical to getting ahead of the problem and urged the strategic use of data from existing interventions to equip educators and counsellors with tools for early detection and effective response.

“Data is the compass that will guide our targeted interventions and resource allocation. To that end, a key enabler of this comprehensive strategy is effectively leveraging data available through various government agencies, non-profits, educators, and community youth groups.

“Using this shared data collaboratively and strategically can reveal critical high-risk indicators often missed when operating in silos. This holistic approach to data use will highlight the environmental, social and personal factors that often lead to violent outbursts and other antisocial tendencies among youth,” added Seaga.

He said while the PSOJ is intensifying its engagement with community leaders, parents, and students, it is calling on all Jamaicans to join this cause — advocating for policies and initiatives that promote peace, respect, and empathy among our youth.

“The PSOJ remains committed to this mission through its National Values and Attitudes Advancement Committee. By prioritising safe, nurturing environments for all students, we can reverse destructive trends and ensure a brighter future for Jamaica,” said Seaga.

In the meantime, the Jamaica Association of Chairmen of Secondary Institutions (JACSI) has called on all stakeholders, including the ministries of national security and education, to have urgent discussion with a view to protect Jamaica’s students from violence and arrive at practical solutions to tackle and reverse current trends.

According to JACSI President Courtney Wynter, the recent occurrences highlight the dark manifestation of the epidemic of violence Jamaica is now experiencing.

Wynter argued that if this is not brought under control, more tragic incidents are bound to happen.

“What is particularly disturbing about many of these incidents is that they have taken place in the presence of other students and adult members of the public who opted to cheer on the fighters instead of trying to de-escalate the situation and quell the violence. This is a poor reflection on the state of our nation and the wrong example being set for our children,” said Wynter.