Parents must teach children

HAS the situation truly deteriorated to the point where we need metal detectors installed at our schools? And if it has, would the installation of these devices solve the problem?

Keen for anything which they think will keep their children safe, parents have understandably welcomed the IFP’s proposal, which comes after reports of pupils smuggling weapons into school.

Probably not keen to spend the millions which would be required to roll out the service at all 6 000 public schools in the province, the Education Department says that metal detectors are the responsibility of the police, and maintains that school safety is the responsibility of all stakeholders.

For a change, the unions and department are ad idem, Sadtu saying communities should play a role in school safety, and Naptosa that schools should rather instil effective disciplinary measures and teach conflict resolution skills.

We agree. Metal detectors will not prevent a pupil intent on violence from turning a loose brick, rock or other object on the school premises into a weapon.

Communities need to show and teach children that violence is not the answer. It is not the sole responsibility of schools to teach basic human values. Parents must take responsibility and, at the very least, check bags to ensure their children are not carrying weapons to school.