The Jamaica teachers association has expressed concern about the increase in violence in the country.

The JTA states that this is having a negative effect on the citizens and in particular the education system.

The association’s President Owen Speid at a press conference at its downtown Kingston head office today pointed out that the system is losing both teachers and students through violence.

And Mr. Speid says the current wave of violence on schools has been negatively affecting students who cause disruption in the system through maladaptive behaviour.

The JTA President said there have been a number or attacks on teachers in recent times.

The association has given the ministry of education and by extension the government, thirty days in which its to develop and present to the nation’s teachers a plan of action to deal with the current wave of violence affecting schools.

Speid pointed out that the association is urging the government to, among other things, conduct a review of minimum standards for all schools, with security receiving priority.

He said perimeter fencing, cameras and trained security personnel especially in volatile areas must be part of that outlay.

The press conference was called to highlight violence and the impact it was having on schools and school personnel.