Jamaica Association of Principals of Secondary Schools President Mr Linvern Wright is the latest to advocate school and parent-backed monitors in public spaces to curtail the problem of children loitering after school and engaging in risky behaviours.

Mr Wright told the Jamaica Observer last week that the problem has grown worse, and called for school resource officers to head the charge, after reports surfaced that high school students have taken to dealing in and smoking marijuana at a plaza in the Corporate Area, causing distress to business owners and shoppers.

Most importantly, he lamented the culture of weak parenting, which, he said, is reflected in the behaviour of students who indulge in substance and alcohol abuse, sex, skin bleaching, and are a thorn in the side of educators and the public.

This is a problem none of us can ignore. One just has to visit any of the bus parks, shopping malls, or fast food outlets on any afternoon after schools are dismissed to see many of the nation’s youth milling around. Eventually mischief takes root, and too often trouble follows.

But let’s be clear: This is not just a “teenage problem”; it’s a societal failure — a failure of parents, educators, and the general public to give a damn about what happens after the school bell rings. If we continue to ignore it we’re all complicit in the erosion of both their futures and the safety of our communities.

Where are the parents? They’re the same ones who demand high test scores and good behaviour, but they’re not checking their kids when school lets out. Many parents check out, too consumed with adult responsibilities, and assuming someone else will take responsibility. But parenting doesn’t stop once the children are sent off to school, neither does it involve outsourcing supervision to street corners and public spaces. Working parents, busy schedules — yes, we hear these excuses — but is it too much to ask that parents be more present or involved in organising safe, supervised spaces for their children after school?

The question must also be put to educators: What is their role? After-school programmes that will hold students’ interest are the exception, not the rule. Some teachers often feel their job is over when the final bell rings, but the need for structured environments for students doesn’t evaporate at that moment. More schools need to offer constructive activities that keep students engaged, curious, and safe — instead of letting the system coast on mediocrity and indifference.

The general public, too, is not without fault. Instead of blaming “those kids” for loitering and causing chaos, what have we done to prevent it? Businesses, civic groups, et al ought to create spaces that attract youth for good. It’s easy to throw complaints instead of investing in real solutions, like mentoring programmes, free workshops, or volunteer-based after-school sports programmes.

Let’s face it, students loiter after school because the bridges between their school lives and their futures are limited.

It’s time for all of us to act. To be silent is to surrender the next generation to a cycle of neglect and failure. The time to do something was yesterday.