THE VIOLENCE involving teenagers outside A. Bonifacio National High School in Barangay Wilson, Iloilo City is both alarming and heartbreaking. Such incidents not only endanger the well-being of our youth but also raise serious questions about the societal and parental influences shaping their behavior.
The city police’s recent decision to intensify their presence, especially during school dismissal times, is a welcome and necessary step in ensuring the immediate safety of students. We commend the Iloilo City Police Office’s Police Station 1 for their proactive stance. However, it’s a telling sign of our times when the police presence is needed outside an educational institution.
The school guard’s observation further paints a concerning picture — the teenagers seem to be more focused on monitoring the police than mending their ways. With over 10 incidents already reported, involving weapons like steel pipes, knives, and bolos, it’s evident that this isn’t just a case of juvenile mischief. It’s a systemic problem.
While school authorities are rightfully vigilant, inspecting bags and maintaining a watchful eye, the responsibility cannot rest solely on their shoulders. Education extends beyond the confines of school walls. It is, therefore, imperative for parents, local communities, and concerned barangay officials to actively intervene. Addressing this issue requires more than just increased police surveillance; it demands a multi-pronged approach, incorporating counseling, parental involvement, and community outreach programs.
This raises some pivotal questions: Why are our teenagers resorting to violence? What influences, be they societal, digital, or peer-induced, are pushing them toward such aggression? Moreover, how can our community come together to counteract these influences?
It’’s crucial for the Iloilo City Schools Division Office to take these incidents as a clarion call. Incorporating life skills, conflict resolution, and character education in the curriculum can potentially address the root causes of such violent tendencies. Collaboration with local nongovernment organizations and counselling centers can provide students with the necessary tools to express themselves without resorting to violence.
Furthermore, parents must also introspect. It’s essential to maintain open channels of communication with teenagers, understand their pressures, and guide them through these formative years. The old adage, “it takes a village to raise a child,” has never been more relevant.
