Parents concerned at after-school violence

JEDDAH: Parents here have called on schools to provide some supervision for students after classes end, to protect them from reckless drivers out in the streets and prevent fighting.

Mohammad Ismail, a parent of two students, said that the problem is mainly outside schools for boys because girls’ schools have supervisors. “Every teacher finishes his last class and leaves without any care or regard for the fate of students,” he said.
Ismail said this is why many young people are hurt or start fighting with each other. “School administrations should have strict measures in place outside schools for males, to ensure they reach their homes safe and sound.”
Salem Khalaqi, a parent, said he was not hopeful that measures would be put in place outside schools for males. He called on administrators to deploy supervisors outside their buildings, especially at primary schools.
Another parent, Isam Al-Ahdal, said he discussed the matter with one teacher who told him that students are not their responsibility once classes end. Al-Ahdal said the teacher told him that students waiting for their transport must do so on their schools’ premises.
Al-Ahdal said a solution to this problem is for schools to provide buses to take students home every day.
Sami Al-Malki, an education supervisor, said parents are responsible for the safety of their children after they leave their schools.
“However, the role of schools is to raise awareness among children about the hazards of hanging out in the streets and alleys after classes.”
“Parents must get to know the exact time their children leave school, and who are their friends and companions,” said Al-Malki. Another education supervisor, Ahmad Al-Rubaie, agreed with this view.
Mohammad Al-Shahri, a supervisor, said that parents must be more responsible by checking their children’s school hours. He said it was a common sight to see children outside some schools because many of them live nearby and walk home.