The Ministry of Education Transformation has issued a stern warning to students following reports that physical altercations are being deliberately arranged, filmed and posted online, describing the trend as both dangerous and a clear breach of school regulations.
The caution came yesterday after a video was circulated earlier this week on various social media platforms depicting several young girls fighting at school.
In a release, Deputy Chief Education Officer Julia Beckles said the ministry became aware that fights among students were, in some cases, being planned in advance specifically so they could be recorded and shared on social media, but the practice would not be tolerated under any circumstances.
“This is not only a dangerous practice, but it is in direct violation of the rules and regulations which govern our schools,” she said, reaffirming a zero-tolerance stance on violence across all educational institutions.
Any student involved in such incidents, whether as a participant, an organiser, or someone filming and uploading the footage, will face the full consequences of their actions, she said, regardless of whether the altercation was premeditated or spontaneous.
Parents were also urged to have direct conversations with their children about making safe and responsible choices.
Beckles pointed to a number of ongoing initiatives aimed at strengthening students’ social and emotional development, including the reintroduction of the Positive Vibe programme, the rollout of Community Service Learning in all secondary schools, and continued support for service-based clubs.
She was emphatic that even a single fight represented an unacceptable risk: “One fight is one too many and is not worth the potential consequences.”
Beckles said the majority of students continued to conduct themselves well and contribute meaningfully to their schools and communities. “We see you and laud your efforts in helping us build the No 1 education system in the world.”
(BA/PR)