The Editor, Sir:

I must commend Education Minister Andrew Holness on his plan to address the violence in schools it is a great idea to have the physical equipment like metal detectors and fencing of all schools, along with taking action such as the banning of cellphones during class time, and a national code of conduct for students and teachers, the minister should consider more long-term initiatives that are aimed at moulding the mentality of the students and making them better citizens.

Peer mediation programmes in schools is one such initiative. I know that the PALS programme is active in some schools, but at the secondary level students should be trained as mediators and work with their peers to achieve peaceful resolution to their conflict.

Communication skills needed

I believe tha the initiatives proposed by the minister are preventative and necessary, it is imperative that the young people learn that using a weapon or any form of physical force to solve conflict is not a viable option. These students need to learn assertiveness and communication skills that will result in peaceful resolution to conflict and an overall transformation in interpersonal relationships.

The skills they learn through peer mediation are skills that they will take home and to their communities. One can only imagine the widespread positive impact that this can have. It is time to address violence in schools from all possible angles. Please take this into consideration, Mr Minister.

I am, etc.,

CHRISTINE LEE

Chriscares@gmail.com

Floirida

Via Go-Jamaica