The story headlined “Hundreds rally to end violence among youth, stop school fights” on Monday’s front page indicates that there is at least significant public awareness for this ongoing problem. Especially a strong participation of students from various local schools in the St. Peters/South Reward area inspires hope for the future.
Interestingly, the same edition of the newspaper carried a report out of Antigua and Barbuda, where Prime Minster Gaston Browne announced “legal changes” to hold parents more accountable for their children. He couldn’t see himself as father “live in a home with a minor who has big cutlasses and guns, chopping up people and shooting people.”
Those sentiments are no doubt shared by many. The prime minister said blame is often shifted onto government, schools or churches, but the root of the issue lies with the family unit.
How he gives content to his plans remains to be seen, but the fact is that parents with custody are still co-responsible for their offspring until they turn adult at the age of 18. In practice, authorities often do involve them when youngsters are detained for committing offences, even if only to pick their children up from the police station.
The latter is usually combined with a conversation that may include reprimands, warnings and advice. People unable to handle their teenagers should seek outside help and guidance from relatives or others.
Law enforcement and teachers can only do so much. It all starts and ends within the household.
