THE EDITOR, Sir:I WRITE in response to an article in The Gleaner dated June 14, 2004 entitled "Harsh Punishment Driving Delinquency", regarding student behaviour and performance in schools.
I disagree with those such as Mr. Reford Hinds, principal of Donald Quarrie High School, where he states that depending on the nature of the offence, delinquents are either sent home or handed over to the police. He further stated that children who take weapons to school were acting against the law, therefore inevitably the police must be called in and that as of September, those with weapons would be suspended.
However, the point made by Dr. Michelle Rowley, lecturer at the University of the West Indies opposing the solution, stating that young people need re-evaluation, is right on. She stated that when trouble brews in school the first option is to send in the police, thereby militarising the school and placing others under mental siege. I totally endorse her point that instead of calling the police, a group comprising a school worker, psychologist and guidance counsellor be trained to deal with such situations, so students may realise their full potential.
Remember as stated in the article, isolating students only makes the situation worse, as their self-esteem diminishes and they feel even less loved and cared for than before.
The above-mentioned point regarding getting a social worker, psychologist and guidance counsellor to fulfil students needs, is crucial to their total development and care and I really appeal to principals and teachers alike to look at this option as being workable, in order for troubled students to be listened to, understood and be given a real chance in life.
I am, etc.,
KAREN FERGUSON
Kingston 10
