Despite the deployment of police officers to high-risk schools, incidents of violence among students continue to escalate, raising concerns about the effectiveness of current security measures. Schools reopened on September 8, and within two days, a physical altercation between a teacher and a female student at Arima North Secondary School was captured on video and widely shared on social media. On November 4, another large-scale fight near Barataria North Secondary School involved both boys and girls, with one adult female wielding a shovel. The incident was also recorded and circulated online. Police Commissioner Allister Guevarro acknowledged the ongoing issue, stating that while there has been a noted decrease in school-related violence, it remains a persistent challenge. He emphasized that increased police presence in high-risk schools is part of the strategy to address the problem. The root causes of youth violence are complex, with many attributing the rise to improper parenting and the influence of the internet. The abolition of corporal punishment in schools and homes has also been cited as a factor that may have emboldened some youths. Additionally, the widespread availability of harmful online content, including glorification of violence and inappropriate material, has further exacerbated the issue. Experts argue that addressing youth violence requires a multifaceted approach, including better parental involvement and stricter regulation of online content. The situation underscores the need for comprehensive solutions to ensure the safety and well-being of the nation’s youth.
