Fights around local schools are on the rise again (see Wednesday paper). Justice Minister Ana Richardson during this week’s press briefing said they were looking into whether these regard tangible problems between youngsters or just a desire to post violent encounters on social media and get views, likes, etc.
She believes it is the latter and videos of several incidents circulating online were being reviewed by police. In addition to the two students arrested on Monday of whom one with a dangerous “brass knuckle” in his possession, various other suspects recognised can expect the same.
Authorities announced preventative controls in South Reward to deal with this phenomenon last Sunday. Hopefully detaining more culprits will also prove an effective deterrent.
The fact that those involved are usually minors should not be a reason to let them off easy. Too often they are quickly released to parents who promise to make them behave better but rarely do so, perhaps simply unable to. At times it is necessary to send a stronger message.
But this is not something law enforcement can successfully tackle alone. People including many adults who like to enjoy and share these unsavoury images are contributing to the problem in no small measure.
Please refrain from such in the future and become part of the solution instead.
