Education Minister Kay McConney has outlined a comprehensive plan to tackle violence in schools that involves what she calls a whole of country approach.

In a wide-ranging address, Miss McConney disclosed that about 300 problem children have been identified across the school system

She added that while this number represents less than one percent of the school population it’s still a concern as some of the trends in society are finding their way into the school system.

She said adults are encouraging children to take weapons to school to defend themselves and some children are prepared to retaliate against any form of what they consider to be disrespect.

According to Miss McConney, the situation is reaching boiling point.

The Education Minister noted that school safety officers were introduced in 2019 at the most at-risk secondary schools and disclosed that additional measures being implemented include the assigning of additional social workers in collaboration with the Ministry of People Empowerment and Elder Affairs, a comprehensive parenting program with the assistance of Paredos, the hiring of more psychologists and the training of principals in mental health literacy.

Meantime a school safety audit has been conducted and a plan drafted.

Minister of Education, Kay McConney.