Revised National School Code Of Conduct Aims To Tackle Indiscipline
Minister of Education Dr. Michael Dowlath says thousands of suspensions were recorded nationally between 2022 and 2025.
He said this escalating trend in student misbehaviour was a key factor behind the Ministry’s decision to revamp the National School Code of Conduct, which was officially launched on Wednesday.
He noted that violence-related incidents, particularly fights and assaults, have shown an upward trajectory in schools across the country.
« In our highest-risk secondary schools, violence-related suspensions were consistently high. In 2023–24, there were 875; 2024–25, 738; and 2025–26, 776. Possession- and use-related infractions, including drugs, weapons, and vaping products, also remain significant. »
The Minister also revealed that incidents occurring during class time, in the presence of staff, climbed from 401 to 544.
He said the National School Code of Conduct needed to be revised to reflect modern realities in both physical and digital environments.
« We are no longer operating in a pre-digital environment. There’s cyberbullying, there’s unauthorised recording, there’s online harassment, there’s AI misuse. These are not theoretical threats. The Code now includes detailed guidance on digital citizenship, social media conduct, data protection, and the use of artificial intelligence in schools, because humiliation in the digital age spreads in seconds. »
School Supervisor III for the St. Patrick Education District, Soren Bijaram, said the updated code introduces several key enhancements.
« A four-tier discipline matrix, categorising infractions as minor, moderate, major, and severe, with proportionate responses for each category. Clear reintegration pathways to support students returning to school following suspension, greater emphasis on restorative practices and behavioural support alongside appropriate consequences. »
Acting Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Education, Mrs. Simone Williams, reminded stakeholders that policy alone cannot drive transformation.
« Implementation will require collaboration at every level. School leaders, educators, parents, and students, we are counting on you. This launch is therefore both a milestone and a beginning. It represents our resolve to strengthen positive school climates and to equip our institutions with the tools necessary to respond effectively and fairly to behavioural challenges. »
The revised National School Code of Conduct was launched at the Ministry of Education on Wednesday.
