Prime Minister, Dr. the Most Honourable Andrew Holness, has called for urgent and decisive parental intervention to address the growing incidence of violence and anti-social behaviour among students, warning that Jamaica is confronting a broader erosion of core social values. The Prime Minister made the call while delivering remarks at the Sabbath Worship Convention under the Proclamations of Hope Youth Empowerment Series on Saturday, April 25, 2026, where he addressed parents, youth, and church leaders on the shifting social realities facing the nation.
Emphasising the critical role of the family in shaping behaviour and values, Dr. Holness underscored the need for stronger parental involvement in guiding young people.
“Parents must assume a more active and deliberate role in the upbringing of their children. The pace at which our society is changing, driven by rapid access to information and shifting global influences, is outstripping the reinforcement of values that traditionally guide behaviour,” the Prime Minister stated.
He further stated that “Without that foundation, we risk raising a generation that is exposed to knowledge but lacks the context, discipline, and moral grounding to apply it responsibly.”
Dr. Holness pointed to troubling behaviours emerging within schools, including gambling, vaping, bullying, and instances of unprovoked violence, highlighting the growing complexity of challenges facing the education system. He cautioned that educators cannot be left to manage these issues on their own.
“These behaviours are not isolated incidents; they are symptoms of deeper social challenges. Our teachers, while committed, are not solely equipped to address this level of anti-social conduct. It requires consistent parental guidance, supervision, and engagement to reinforce acceptable standards of behaviour both inside and outside of the classroom,” Dr. Holness said.
Addressing the broader societal context, the Prime Minister warned that Jamaica is operating within an environment where long-standing principles such as respect for elders, discipline, and compassion are increasingly being challenged.
“We are witnessing a gradual weakening of core social values. Authority is being questioned more frequently, and the principles of respect, empathy, and responsibility are being eroded,” he remarked, linking the weakening of these values to the rise in anti-social behaviour among young people.
The Prime Minister emphasised that restoring and reinforcing Jamaica’s foundational values is crucial not only for addressing school violence but also for maintaining social stability, noting that the Government remains committed to initiatives that support families and safeguard Jamaica’s future development.
