Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar has warned parents that they must take responsibility for disciplining and guiding their children before they grow into adults who run afoul of the law.
In a message marking the start of the new academic year, Persad-Bissessar told parents not to leave their responsibilities to teachers, saying discipline, respect and responsibility must first be taught at home.
“Do not dump your parental responsibilities onto teachers, that is your job, you made your children, it is not the teachers’ or anyone else’s responsibility to mind them,” she said.
Persad-Bissessar urged parents to ensure their children are properly cared for and prepared for school, while monitoring their behaviour, academic progress and what they are learning.
She also called on parents to listen to their children’s concerns and work closely with teachers.
The Prime Minister warned that parents who fail to do their part could face more serious consequences later.
“Do your part now with your children so that in years to come when they become adults, you won’t have to be at the courthouse in your old age trying to secure bail to get them released from incarceration,” she said.
Persad-Bissessar also had a message for teachers and principals, urging them to take a zero-tolerance approach to disrespectful and misbehaving students and parents.
She said educators should not be expected to tolerate abuse, intimidation or harassment and urged them to contact the Trinidad and Tobago Police Service if they are threatened or abused.
The Prime Minister also warned students that failing to take their education seriously could leave them facing a difficult future.
She urged students to attend classes, respect their teachers and staff, remain disciplined and take responsibility for their progress.
“Life is tough without an education, it will grind you down until you end up just surviving day to day and not actually living a satisfying wholesome life,” Persad-Bissessar said.
She said a good education gives people options to navigate difficulties and overcome challenges.
