“…these same students involved in such activities are the ones educators deal with on a daily basis.”
The Union of Professional Educators (UPE) has responded to a recent article published in the Times of Malta, which highlights the growing concern of teenager gangs causing trouble in the city of Valletta. According to the article, these gangs have been engaging in fights, destroying property, and posing a threat to businesses operating in the area. The UPE’s reaction stems from the fact that these same students involved in such activities are the ones educators deal with on a daily basis.
One of the main concerns raised by the UPE is the apparent lack of parental control over these students. It is evident that discipline and respect for authority are not being instilled within most of todays generation. The union emphasizes the role that parents play in ensuring the proper upbringing of their children, and the necessity of actively engaging in their education and behavior formation.
“As a result, educators become vulnerable to physical and mental harassment from these troublesome teenagers.”
Moreover, the article points out that while establishments in Valletta and other affected areas have the option of hiring security personnel to address such issues, educational institutions do not have this luxury. As a result, educators become vulnerable to physical and mental harassment from these troublesome teenagers. This raises serious concerns about the safety and well-being of both the educators and other students within the learning environment.
The article in question highlights numerous incidents that have occurred, including videos circulating on social media showing disturbing acts of violence carried out by these teenager gangs. One video depicts a group of girls assaulting another girl near Hastings Garden, while another video captures a gang of boys fighting in the streets of Valletta. The UPE finds these actions deeply troubling and condemns any form of violence and aggression among students.
A cafe worker in Valletta, who spoke to the newspaper, shared their personal experience of the situation. They mentioned that on Saturday evenings, large groups of around 40 to 50 teenagers gather in the city, causing disturbances and harassing customers. These youngsters not only engage in fights but also exhibit disrespectful behavior towards staff members. The worker also highlighted the need to hire security personnel during festive seasons, as the number of rowdy teenagers in the city tends to increase.
“The union also urges authorities to provide necessary support and resources to educational institutions, allowing them to maintain safe learning environments for both educators and students.”
In conclusion, the UPE strongly condemns the actions of these teenager gangs and calls for immediate action to address this issue. It is critical for parents to take responsibility for their children’s behavior and upbringing. The union also urges authorities to provide necessary support and resources to educational institutions, allowing them to maintain safe learning environments for both educators and students. Collaboration between all stakeholders, including parents, educators, and law enforcement agencies, is essential to tackle this growing problem and ensure the well-being of our youth and society as a whole.
