The Editor, Sir:

I am responding to the letter 'A teacher's sit-in is ridiculous!' published February 25.

I am 21 years old, just a few years out of the high school system, and in my opinion "school violence" is fuelled by this simple fact; the students have respect for no one; they have no idea what it is, it's foreign. They have never seen it displayed in their homes, so they can't identify with it and it's often mistaken as softness or nerdy behaviour among their peers. I think somehow whether they can be taught respect for self and self-worth then this society stands a chance and this "school violence" and eventually all violence will decrease substantially.

To really take note of the behaviour of students generally these days, visit Half-Way Tree, Cross Roads, downtown Kingston, even a school, travel on a bus and really listen, really take note of the behaviour and attitude of students and tell me your honest opinion.

Straw into stones

Teachers are expected to make straw into stones and play the role of parents. Most of these students are performing way below average and as we say they are just plain 'dunce', not interested in anything at school. There are students bleaching (both sexes), skirts up to yin yang, expletives flying all over and their uniforms, the latest fashion statements.

Look, the teachers can only do so much and for the ministry to be asking of the teachers to become full-time psychiatrists as well, it's a bit too much. I think the problem and the solution are more in the homes with the parents, than anywhere else, so to the teachers, SIT IN! Do not allow these child-parents (for lack of a better term) to abuse and drive you crazy; you can't take it, you don't deserve it and, frankly, you're not being paid enough!

These schools are supposed to be institutions of higher learning and must be made to understand that certain types of behaviour will not be tolerated and will result in expulsion and/or the police being involved, where necessary.

Parents, get involved in the lives of your children and stop leaving it up to society! The teachers are the ones left with that responsibility because they are the ones dealing with YOUR CHILDREN on a daily basis, the schools are the second homes.

I am, etc.,

KEMAR MYERS

kemar_myers@yahoo.com