Dear Editor,

Another video. Another fight. Another group of schoolgirls in uniform throwing punches while other students stand around watching, shouting, laughing and recording.

But what exactly are our schoolgirls fighting for?

This is a question we need to start asking seriously, because these incidents are becoming far too familiar. Videos of students fighting are circulated on social media almost as entertainment. Within minutes, they are shared from phone to phone, attracting comments, jokes and encouragement.

But behind every video are young people whose lives can be affected long after the recording stops.

What disagreement could possibly be important enough for two schoolgirls to beat each other in public? Is it over a boy? Something said on social media? An insult? A rumour? A disagreement that began in a classroom or WhatsApp group?

Whatever the reason, violence cannot become the normal way our young people settle disputes.

There is also another troubling element: the audience.

Instead of separating those involved or finding an adult, students often pull out their phones. Some cheer. Some encourage the fight. Others make sure they capture the best angle so the video can be posted online.

When did another child’s humiliation become entertainment?

Parents also have a role to play. Schools cannot be expected to correct every behavioural problem on their own. Respect, self-control and conflict resolution must also be taught and reinforced at home.

At the same time, schools must examine whether students have adequate access to counselling and whether warning signs are being identified before disagreements become physical.

Young girls should be learning how to communicate, resolve conflict and walk away when necessary. A moment of anger should not result in injury, suspension, expulsion, police involvement or a video that follows someone around for years.

So, again, the question is simple:

What are our schoolgirls fighting for?

And perhaps the more important question is:

What are we, as adults, doing to stop it?

This article was originally published by Antigua News Room. Read the original article here: VIDEO: What are school girls fighting for?.