ST JAMES, Jamaica — Parents and guardians are being encouraged to reinforce peaceful conflict‑resolution practices and promote healthy behaviours among students as part of ongoing efforts to ensure a safe and productive school term.

Health Promotion and Education Officer for Westmoreland, Gerald Miller, told JIS News that while conflicts are inevitable in school settings, they must never be resolved through violence, as this can have serious public‑health consequences.

“We need to remind children of how important it is to engage their teachers, to let someone, an adult, know of the conflict,” he stated.

Miller emphasised that students should be discouraged from taking matters into their own hands, warning that such actions can quickly escalate into serious incidents.

He pointed out that violent conflicts among students have, in some instances, led to severe injuries and even loss of life, underscoring the urgent need to promote alternative approaches to resolving disputes. He further emphasised that violent behaviour places additional strain on the health system, as injured students often require medical care.

Meanwhile, Miller reiterated the importance of maintaining continued vigilance to prevent the spread of communicable diseases within schools.

“In terms of disease prevention, it is very important that we cover coughs and sneezes, as this is one of the key ways to reduce the transmission of viruses,” he said.

Miller further highlighted the critical role of proper hand hygiene in reducing illness among students.

“We must always ensure that our hands are clean, and this is achieved by washing them thoroughly with soap and water,” he stated.

The health promotion officer cautioned that poor hygiene practices can easily lead to the transmission of germs.

“We must avoid touching our eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands, as this can transfer germs directly to these vulnerable areas of the body,” he said.

Miller noted that adherence to these practices can help prevent avoidable visits to health facilities, thereby reducing strain on the healthcare system.

“If we do that, then our children are going to be safe and we will not have [them] coming to the hospital or the health centres when that could have been avoided,” he added.

—    JIS