The Democratic Labour Party (DLP) is calling for immediate action to address what it describes as a growing crisis of violence within Barbados’ schools.
The party has criticised the Ministry of Education for what it says is a lack of meaningful intervention, and has urged the implementation of a national framework focused on safety, student development, and emotional wellbeing.
In a statement issued today, the DLP expressed alarm over the rise in verbal abuse, physical confrontations, threats against teachers, and incidents involving weapons.
Below is the full statement issued by the Democratic Labour Party:
The Democratic Labour Party (DLP) is gravely concerned about the continued escalation of violence in Barbados’s schools. From primary institutions to secondary schools, the rise in verbal abuse, physical altercations, threats against teachers, and incidents of weapon possession reflects a deep and dangerous crisis in our education system. This is not isolated or rare — violence is occurring at all levels and across all parishes. Reports have shown a steady increase in school-related violence over the past five years, with some schools reporting multiple incidents in a single term.
Despite these alarming trends, the Ministry of Education has failed to implement any meaningful or lasting solution beyond suspending or expelling students. This reactive approach continues to ignore the underlying causes of aggression, trauma, and social breakdown in our school communities. The government’s overemphasis on grooming policies — focusing on uniforms, hairstyles, and external appearance — is a clear signal that character development, emotional intelligence, and restorative values are not being prioritised.
“Our children are crying out for guidance, structure, and care,” said Felicia Dujon, the DLP’s Spokesperson on Education and Children’s Rights. “But we must also speak honestly about the fear and fatigue being experienced by our teachers. They are expected to manage learning while navigating unpredictable and sometimes dangerous disruptions. No teacher knows how a student might respond in a moment of conflict. Many are left feeling unsafe, unsupported, and exposed to long-term mental health stress. Violence in schools affects everyone — not just the student involved.”
The DLP is calling on the government to urgently implement a national school safety and student development framework. This should include trained counsellors and mental health officers in all secondary schools, robust student codes of conduct that are values-based and restorative in nature, and the integration of life skills, conflict resolution, and peer mediation programmes into everyday learning. The time has come for Barbados to move beyond punitive models and build systems that intervene early, support students meaningfully, and reduce harm for all.
The DLP also advises the immediate creation of reintegration and character-building centres for students who have been suspended or are at risk of exclusion. These centres would allow students to continue their education while receiving mentorship, psychosocial support, and family-based interventions. No child should be cast aside without an opportunity to grow.
Additionally, more must be done to strengthen classroom relationships. Teachers need support in building safe, inclusive learning environments. This includes regular, structured teacher-student engagement sessions, more opportunities for student expression through the arts, sports and service activities, and the active involvement of students in shaping classroom expectations. A culture of respect and collaboration must be intentionally built — it cannot be demanded through rules alone.
The DLP urges the government not to wait until another tragedy forces action. The safety and wellbeing of students and teachers must be a national priority. We are calling on parents, educators, and citizens to demand better — not just discipline, but dignity, development, and real reform in our education system.
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