Children don’t raise themselves
Dear Editor,
Like most Jamaicans I have seen the video that has recently gone viral of a young male student at Homestead Primary School ignoring the reprimands of a teacher and attempting to enter a classroom to fight another student. He then, defiantly, despite the teacher’s consternation and admonishment, proceeded to throw large rocks into and at the classroom.
I can only describe my reaction when first viewing the video as absolute shock. Never in my life had I seen such a blatant display of contempt for the authority of a teacher by a child of that age. The first thought that crossed my mind was a description which I had so often heard levelled at my generation from the older folks, “a generation of vipers!”
I always knew the phrase had biblical origins, but I was not, till that moment, inspired to find it. Matthew 12:34 says, “O generation of vipers, how can ye, being evil, speak good things? For out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaketh.” I find it to be quite ironic that from this verse would be born a condemnation that would forevermore be cast on the youth of Jamaica when they do wrong.
Why is it ironic? Well, that is because the very preceding verse Matthew 12:33 reads, “Either make the tree good and his fruit good, or else make the tree corrupt, and his fruit corrupt. For the tree is known by his fruit.” I believe this would be captured by the saying, “Di apple nuh fall far from di tree,” something which is often forgot when castigating children.
It could not have been any more evident from the actions of the young boy that the concept of discipline is totally alien to him. But who can bear greater blame for that than his parents? Most children are not angels, at least I know I wasn’t; however, a child that is being raised with any sense of respect for authority would never dare to behave in such a manner in the presence of any adult, much less a teacher. That boy’s parents are failing him and the prevalence of violence in schools across Jamaica suggests that they are not alone.
That boy could have seriously hurt another child, or perhaps even worse. It is no secret that conflict resolution is an issue in Jamaica; however, this incident highlights the extent of the problem. It permeates every level of our society and it starts from childhood. My suggestion is that conflict/dispute resolution needs to be a part of the formal curriculum from the early childhood level right up to leaving high school. If children aren’t learning it at home from their parents, the State has to step in. Our society is suffering, so something must be done.
A good childhood includes learning morals, values, and important lessons that will take you through life as you grow to become an adult. And one of those crucial lessons is that there are consequences to your actions. Some would argue that the only appropriate response from the school would be to expel the child. This is also my position.
He displayed extremely violent behaviour towards his fellow students and was uncontrollable and defiant when confronted by a teacher. He cannot be allowed to stay. However, the best interests of the boy cannot be ignored. If he is expelled from the school where will he be enrolled? Will his next school be an environment that is conducive to inculcating discipline in him? Will there be any change in his guidance or home environment? These are questions that must be answered.
I must commend the teacher for her handling of the situation. She prevented the boy from entering the classroom and injuring the other students without engaging him in a physical altercation. She did her best to defuse the situation while being cautious to ensure her own safety, which, in my opinion, is paramount. Teachers are paid (barely) to teach, not to risk their lives. It is unfortunate that she had to experience that situation, and I am hoping that it will not deter her from continuing to give her best efforts as an educator.
I was fortunate enough to attend both a top primary and preparatory school in the Corporate Area when I was a child, which was not that long ago (I am 25 years old) and I could not have, in my wildest dreams, tried what he did. I probably would have been unable to sit down comfortably ever again. Corporal punishment has been banned in schools and one has to wonder: What, exactly, are teachers to do when faced with the kind of indiscipline that was displayed by this boy?
The Government has taken away the rod of correction. But, even if they hadn’t, in our current society it is commonplace to hear of parents going to schools seeking vengeance on teachers who discipline their children. Surely, if we have tied the teachers’ hands we cannot expect them to effectively instil discipline in these wayward children?
One thing is for sure, as long as children continue to be raised without proper guidance, moral training, and correction, where necessary, from their parents, family, teachers, and adults in their communities, there will always be a new generation of vipers.
Payton Patterson
paytonpatterson97@gmail.com