Member for Currumbin Jann Stuckey has today met with Elanora High Acting School Principal to discuss strategies to stop escalating youth violence and absenteeism from the local school.
“Both the Principal and I agreed that recent unprovoked assaults on defenceless students such as the recent incidents in Elanora must be stopped as a matter of urgency,” said Ms Stuckey
“It is six weeks or so until a permanent Principal takes the reins at Elanora but immediate action needs to be taken before there is a serious incident resulting in permanent injury or worse still death.
“A school-based police officer must be appointed swiftly. Calls for school-based police officers over the past several years have fallen on deaf ears and now we are seeing the sorry results.
“These officers provide a stabilising influence throughout the school community and give some confidence to those who are being bullied and threatened.
“This Labor Government have cut all funding for school-based police officers and have no intention of including them in the budget.
“By ignoring the invaluable role such officers play in schools this Labor Government have indicated just how out of touch they are with reality and today’s youth.
“Another strategy that should be implemented straight away is the removal of mobile phones and other communication devices from children whilst in school hours. This occurs in some primary schools and is considered successful in reducing bullying.
“Tighter monitoring of school attendance is the most effective way to reduce truancy. Penalties should be imposed for those who do not have a medical or other acceptable excuse for non-attendance.
“Kids go to school to learn. Getting an education is critical for them to be able to gain meaningful employment in a job market that is tightening.
“Mobile phones are a major classroom distraction and deterrence to learning. Forbidding them during classes would enhance learning capacity.
“Strategies that would deter crimes of this nature have been ignored by the Bligh Government.
“What tragedy needs to happen to make them sit up and take notice and protect vulnerable children?”.
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Contact Jann Stuckey 0439 755919