Recently while walking toward the main bus depot next to the City Hall in Hamilton, I noticed a group of students led by a girl, who seemed rather agitated. The group went past me and as they did so, some of the language being used would have made a sailor blush.

Approaching from the opposite direction, were other students and one person in that group, appeared to be the target for the girl who was in a high state of anger. When I glanced back, a shouting match was underway with tempers slipping out of control.

Within seconds the two girls launched at each other and while some students cheered, others jumped in to try to stop what was already turning into an ugly scene. Many adults heading home from work watched with bewilderment. Although after school fights have been taking place since there have been schools, such behaviour should never be accepted as though it is a part of the curriculum.

In fairness it should be pointed out that not every student there was a participant, in fact some students seemed slightly embarrassed over the incident especially since some were wearing the same uniform. The mere fact that there are students who could care less whether they have their uniform on or not is disturbing. Too many of them have little or no regard for the responsibility they carry in representing themselves, their school, their parents and their country.

Quite a number of young people today have their values badly twisted, and for some, foul language and bullying tactics is mark of dominance. That is, until reality knocks the bottom out of their fantasy barrel. This is not just a school problem or an educational problem, but a deeply rooted community problem. While the incident mentioned took place during the peak rush hour period there was no visible Police presence that I detected.

This is not to say Police are not aware that the bus terminal at times bristles with potential anti social behaviour. They have their hands full in a society where violence is troubling to older Bermudians who have experienced a safer social climate.

One principle cause could be the absence of strong solid parenting from the cradle, in order to instill a sense of respect and order so necessary in meeting the many challenges of life. No expert from any part of this planet is needed to point that out. Our society to some degree appears to accept some behaviour as part of a new culture encouraged by violent movies with some glorifying criminals, anti social music, and an attitude that being decent and respectful is a sign of weakness. We all know nothing could be further from the truth.

One thing is certain and that is if we keep looking the other way on this issue of violence in our society, Bermuda will continue to slip downhill in standards of safety and pride. The Police have a most difficult job especially when many citizens are reluctant to assist them out of fear of reprisals.

Our bus drivers who may just be the best in the world, are confronted with unruly children on a daily basis although most children conduct themselves with respect and pride.

The next question should be why so many students actually end up at the bus terminal during peak periods, when I have been made to understand that buses have been allotted to move them to and from school. If we fail to take action on reducing the mingling of students at the terminal during peak periods of travel by the public, one day this island will have a wake up call from something far more dramatic than the brief disturbance I witnessed.

Our tourism which is already facing extremely tough times, will be further threatened if our image is damaged by negative publicity. School Principals have their hands full in trying to cope with a combination of students with serious attitude problems. Parents need to play a greater role in helping to improve standards by making sure the child understands why the uniform must be respected at all times.

On the same day the incident occurred, I saw a student waiting for a bus with his shirt hanging outside his trousers. To him that was cool. What he didn't know was that like the shirt, he could wind up hanging outside of society one day with that attitude. While all is not lost, we would be fooling ourselves if we think such behaviour will just drift out to sea like a passing storm. Turning such attitudes around will not be easy, but the price for not trying could be too costly for the land we call home.

alaseymour@logic.bm