ASIA, Manchester — Against the backdrop of the worrying trend of bullying and fights among students in schools, which have gone viral on social media in recent weeks, Minister of Education Fayval Williams has again urged students to refrain from violence.

“I know the focus is on values and attitudes. Already we are seeing on social media just continued evidence of maladaptive behaviour but principal, I know that I will never see a student of the Winston Jones High School on social media in any fight whatsoever. They are well-behaved, right students? I won’t see you on social media any at all engaged in fights or bullying students…There is no place for that in our schools,” she said.

Williams was speaking at Winston Jones High on Tuesday during the ceremonial reopening of schools in Manchester. The annual event is the brainchild of the custos of Manchester Garfield Green.

This year Green unveiled a values and attitudes garden at Winston Jones High.

“It symbolises our dedication to nurturing not only the intellectual growth of our students, but also their character and their values,” he said while also expressing thanks to Jamaica Teachers’ Association for sponsoring the construction of the garden.

“It is designed to create a space for reflection, collaboration and exploration. It will be a space where they can learn about the significance of teamwork, respect for diversity, and the importance of contributing to the greater good,” added Green.

Nine students were introduced to their peers at Winston Jones High as peace ambassadors at Tuesday’s function.

Green, who spearheaded the initiative, said children see indiscipline all around them.

“Our young people are constantly exposed to and face many stressors during their commute from home to the classroom each day. We must continue to support them in taking their mental health seriously,” he said.

He pointed to a story published in the Jamaica Observer on Tuesday headlined ‘Gangs, guns fuelling MoBay crime — study’ to highlight the factors affecting children.

“Among the factors are poor family values, conflicts between people, gangs actively recruiting young people, and lack of education. That is sad,” said Green.

“If we are to accept this report then there is much work for all of us to do because we must save our children,” added Green.