NewzFi We Children Foundation (FWCF) is expressing concern about what it says is the increasing visibility of violence among children and young people, following two disturbing incidents involving teenagers. In one incident, two teenage siblings were reportedly charged with assault occasioning grievous bodily harm and unlawful wounding after allegedly assaulting a teenage girl during a dispute on a bus in Spanish Town. The girl reportedly suffered a fractured nose and lost consciousness.
FWCF said it is also concerned about a viral video appearing to show a male Kingston College student being held over a railing by peers before being released and falling onto a flight of stairs. "While violence among young people is not new, mobile phones and social media have made it easier for such incidents to be recorded, circulated and amplified," the foundation said in a press release on Friday. It said it believes accountability must be accompanied by prevention, education and early intervention.
Children must be equipped with the skills to manage conflict, show respect for others and resolve disagreements without violence, the foundation said. The organisation called on the state minister with responsibility for peace, child protection agencies, schools, parents, communities and other stakeholders to strengthen coordinated efforts to prevent youth violence and promote safe environments for children. FWCF also reminded schools that its Mek Wi Reason: ADR in Schools project is available to provide peer-to-peer counselling and conflict-resolution training, helping students develop practical tools to resolve disagreements peacefully.
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