Mr Smith lamented that the COVID-19 pandemic, along with negative social media influence or trends have adversely impacted children’s behaviour.

He noted that after months of online learning, the students returned to face-to-face engagement, with behaviours, that teachers are not trained to deal with.

Mr Smith said the JTA has appealed to the Government for social workers and guidance counsellors, but this request is yet to be fulfilled.

Mr. Smith was speaking last evening at the lions club virtual meeting.