We need to address violence in schools

Children believe it’s the only way to solve problems, writes from Germiston.

TRichard

he Institute for Economics and Peace rates South Africa 123rd on their latest Global Peace Index. Around 49 people are murdered in SA each day.

There has been a 96% increase in protests in SA since 2016.

Bloomberg’s misery index rates SA as the second most miserable country in the world.

There is a rapidly growing, vicious cycle of violent protests taking place daily in SA. Law and order is almost nonexistent.

There is a correlation between the level of crime in a community and violence in schools. Children grow up in this violent society under the impression that it is the only way to solve problems or get one’s way.

Because of this – and the fact that all forms of discipline have made way for the “appeasement principle” – schools now face gang-related violence, bullying, fighting and teacher and pupil abuse.

Families no longer have the authority to discipline their children and there is a lack of respect for parents and teachers.

Violence by pupils has become endemic. Parents threaten teachers and protect their offspring without knowing the true facts of the problem.

Pupils know this and exploit it to the full. They carry knives, guns and other weapons to school. How does a teacher discipline a pupil who has a knife or gun?

Positive action and less blustering about racism is desperately needed in our schools.