The Youth Advisory Council of Jamaica (YCAJ) is calling for greater parental responsibility amid rising school violence.

The YACJ says its concerned about recent incidents of violence in the school system, noting the growing national unease regarding student behaviour and school culture.

Recognising Education Ministry initiatives such as Bully Proof JA, as part of the national response the YACJ says, the issue requires deeper alignment across policy, practice, and culture.

It states that this is not simply a school issue, but a national development issue, pointing out that Jamaica is witnessing not only indiscipline, but a weakening of the values, attitudes, and behavioural standards that must underpin the education system.

The council says respect, accountability, self-control, and conflict resolution cannot be taught only within school walls , but must be consistently reinforced at home and in school.

The council says a sustainable response must include stronger parental engagement.

It believes the values instilled at home shape the attitudes students bring into school .

Chairman of the Youth Advisory Council of Jamaica Rodain Richardson says the council has submitted policy recommendations on boys in education and continues efforts to promote values and attitudes.

He says the council supports the strengthening of school-based systems that deliberately reinforce character development, emotional intelligence, and behavioural accountability through guidance, mentorship, and structured interventions.