UMVA has learned that a surge in violent incidents within schools has prompted the Department of Education to take a closer look at the role of online content in fueling these acts of aggression.
The agency's chief expressed concern that exposure to violent online material may be contributing to the recent spate of school-related violence, which has included stabbings and a gun shooting. "It's not just a peace and order problem," he said. "We need to manage the children because they are exposed to a lot of violence online."
The Education Secretary revealed that some students may be seeking validation through social media likes, leading them to engage in mysterious or attention-grabbing behavior. "It's like they're validating themselves through likes on social media. How do they get likes? They will do something different or something mysterious," he added.
Over the past week, three violent incidents have occurred in schools, leaving several students injured or dead. The Education Secretary emphasized the need for schools to take on a parental role in checking on students' well-being. "A lot of them don't have parents…I told our teachers and principals that we should really act like their parents, we should check on our students to see if they have problems."
To prevent similar incidents, the Department of Education plans to increase police visibility in schools. The agency believes that a visible police presence can deter students from carrying out violent plans. "The teachers said that when the children see that the police are going around, they do not push through with their plans," the Education Secretary said.
The agency is also updating its protocol and safety guidelines for in-campus gun incidents, including developing a response plan for active shooter situations. "I think what we have [to identify] now is the protocol, which we never had before, is the protocol when there's an active shooter," the Education Secretary explained.
Separately, a congressional commission has called for urgent reforms to address the growing issue of school violence. The commission described the recent incidents as an "alarming timeline" that reveals a reality that can no longer be ignored. "School violence and severe bullying are putting our learners' lives at grave risk," the commission said.
The commission proposed several initiatives, including the strict implementation of anti-bullying policies, hiring and supporting counselors nationwide, and improving campus safety. "Every child deserves a school where they are safe, seen, and free from fear," the commission emphasized.
Meanwhile, an education association has urged government agencies to prioritize "integral human development" over technical goals. The group stressed that education reform must focus on nurturing character, values, emotional well-being, and social responsibility, in addition to academic achievement.
A fatal shooting at a high school has left three people dead and 20 others injured, while other violent incidents have been reported in different schools. These events have raised concerns about school safety and the need for a more holistic approach to education.
