The Public Relations Officer of the National Council of the Parent-Teacher Association (PTA), Irene Sam, says that punitive measures alone are insufficient to address rising cases of student misconduct in senior high schools. Instead, she advocates for a focus on moral education and collective societal responsibility.

Speaking in an interview on JoyNews’ The Pulse, Irene Sam said the recent violent incidents among students are symptomatic of broader social and moral issues that require attention beyond disciplinary actions.

“I’m not sure that the mayhem we are experiencing today is solely a matter of punishment. It is about appealing to their moral content and helping them understand the ramifications of their actions, for them to become responsible with their own behaviour,” she said.

Madam Sam stressed that instilling discipline begins at home and continues through schools, PTAs, and wider society. She also highlighted the influence of social media, noting that unsanitised online content contributes to the problem.

“The social media content is also being sanitised so that what is seen everywhere online can be controlled. But cleaning alone cannot be the absolute measure. All of us collectively have a major role to play in shaping our children,” she explained.

She urged parents, schools, and PTAs to work together to instill a culture of responsibility and accountability among students.

According to her, addressing student violence is not a short-term effort but a long-term societal commitment that requires moral guidance, education, and supervision.

The call comes in the wake of viral videos showing senior high school students in the Central Region physically assaulting each other over the past weekend.

The incidents have sparked public outrage and reignited discussions on student discipline, safety, and the role of educational institutions and families in curbing violent behaviour.