Indiscipline among students is a growing concern in schools
today, and one of the most challenging problems to deal with is gangsterism.
Gangsterism has become a menace because of its violent nature, involving
bullying, extortion, and even physical assault. The victims of gangsterism
are mainly fellow students, and there have been cases where bullying and
assault have been fatal in the Philippines. As a discipline teacher, if I
were faced with this issue, I would take a proactive approach to understand
the extent of the problem and the reasons why students engage in
gangsterism.
To begin with, I would conduct a thorough study of the issue and determine
the reasons why students get involved in gangsterism. I would also identify
suspected gangsters and bullies within the school and engage them in a
discussion to learn more about their behavior. I would be sensitive to the
fact that many student gangsters hail from poor backgrounds or broken
families and often lack attention and love from family members. These
circumstances can lead students to behave in ways that are harmful to
themselves and others. Poor students may become gangsters to gain extra cash
by extorting money from other students, while those from broken families may
engage in such activities to seek attention and as an outlet for their
frustration and unhappiness.
Once I have identified the root cause of the problem, I would proceed to
advise the students on the dangers of their behavior, which could land them
in jail or a correctional institute for juvenile delinquents. However, if
this approach is not effective, I would then engage the assistance of local
police inspectors to give regular talks at our school on the consequences of
gangsterism and the penalties faced by perpetrators. I would also initiate a
school-wide campaign to educate students and teachers on how to tackle the
problem of gangsterism.
The campaign would involve talks by former gangsters and reformed criminals
who had resorted to bullying and violence to achieve their goals and the
impact it had on their lives and families. During the campaign, students
would be required to pledge not to resort to such behavior even if they face
severe pressures from other students or see it as an easy way to make money
from others. Instead of punishing gangsters, I would use a soft-handed
approach and counsel them. Students facing financial troubles who resort to
extortion would be given assistance pending their promise not to repeat such
behavior, and those who engage in gangsterism to seek attention would be
sent for professional counseling.
Additionally, I would collaborate with other teachers to expose students to
fun-filled activities and outdoor learning experiences to make school a more
exciting place. This approach would prevent bored students from
contemplating joining a gangster group to seek excitement and acceptance. By
doing so, students would feel more engaged and connected to the school
community, reducing the likelihood of them becoming involved in gangsterism.
In conclusion, as a disciplinary teacher, my approach to tackling the
problem of gangsterism among students would involve a thorough understanding
of the root causes of the problem, advising students on the dangers of their
behavior, initiating a school-wide campaign, and using a soft-handed
approach to counsel students. The ultimate goal would be to make the school
environment a safer and more inclusive space for all students. |