School authorities must take a more proactive role in the prevention of juvenile violence and provide more wholesome and productive alternatives to fraternities, sororities and similar organizations. In the most cases, juvenile delinquents are themselves victims. The school system should therefore find ways of addressing their needs so they can veer away from delinquent behaviour. It can be recalled that hazing deaths moved the state to enact legislation against its practice. To no one’s surprise therefore, the resulting Anti-Hazing Act (R.A. 8049) imposed strict penalties for violators. Despite these measures, however, the practice of hazing and other fraternity related violence continue to inflict harm on the young. DepEd Order No. 7, series of 2006 reiterates previous Department directives that prohibit hazing and operation of fraternities and sororities in elementary and secondary schools. So much, beyond finding alternatives to these organizations, family involvement and community participation and education can provide the collaborate atmosphere that reduces the risk of juveniles delinquency. The partnership between the school, the family and the community can do wonders, not only in generating more resources for basic education, but just as important, it too creates opportunities for establishing a more conducive and safe environment for our young students.
By: Catherine Vasquez | Teacher III | Pablo Roman Elementary School | Orion, Bataan