Discipline Issues

Often high school students are caught in misdemeanors like:

  • Physical Fights in school
  • Exam irregularities
  • Absenteeism
  • Failure to attend to duties, etc.
  • Bullying

In this section we address several critical issues above, and how to avoid and recover from the common indiscipline traps prevalent in schools.

 How do you avoid being caught up in the above listed offenses ?

  • Engage your student leaders and peer mentors (where available) to resolve conflicts that you may be involved in. Use your words to express yourself and the problem at hand instead of fighting your peers or teachers. Dialogue is important and the use of fists and butting of heads have never solved a single problem in the world since time immemorial.
  • Prepare for all examinations whether minor (e.g., CATS) or major (e.g., KCSE/IGCSE, Abitur). This should be done well in advance through proper planning and intensive revision in order to avoid panic attacks which influence students to cheat through ‘Mwakenyas’ among other ways that are doomed to fail and land them in trouble including having their exams and results cancelled.
  • Attend all classes as required and participate fully in all activities. In case of an illness report to the teacher on duty, matron or school nurse in advance and follow the requisite protocol.
  • Execute your duties e.g., cleaning assigned areas, group work etc. as required and in a timely manner. This saves you from corporal and other punishments and also ensures that you manage your time. Failure to do so means wasting more time redoing the tasks or completing punishments when your peers are in class reading resulting in bad grades, bad reputation and standing with your teachers among other negative outcomes.
  • Avoid bullying fellow students especially the juniors in school- this could get you suspended or expelled from school. Where you are a victim, seek help from your school authorities including teachers and counselors. Speak to your parents if necessary, to have the issue investigated. Also learn to standup and speak up for yourself in all circumstances. Building the courage to speak up takes time but it is worthwhile in the long run as it helps you deal with bullies even outside of school e.g., at your workplace in the future.

Cyberbullying

Previously seen as a problem of the developed countries, cyber bullying is slowly but surely gaining traction in developing countries including Kenya. It has come to affect the young and old alike, catching high school students in the mix up as well due to the widespread use of social media especially by the youth.

Ways to protect yourself: 

  • Think before you post on any social media platform. If need be, consult with a friend who can give you sober advice before posting.
  • Avoid Apps, Texts, Chats and Chatrooms, gaming communities and any other forums that are likely to expose you to harassment of any kind.
  • Do NOT post any overly personal content or pictures on any platform including Facebook, Instagram, etc. This includes the posting of nude or suggestive pictures. As they say, ‘the internet never forgets’. And of late the internet has proven to be a vicious monster that targets the weaklings and exploits all loopholes to shame people regardless of their age and conditions. You do not want a post or picture that you uploaded to end up being a ‘meme’ or your identifier for the rest of your life and people making jabs or jokes at your expense.
  • If you realize that a post you made is wrong or will bring adverse effects, take it down ASAP without a second thought. If a forum becomes too toxic, leave immediately. Trust your gut instinct- it can smell trouble from afar.
  • Be a good friend to your close friends- do NOT forward any content shared privately to strangers or acquaintances. This could end up in the wrong hands and turn out to be scandalous and the next time it will be you in the hot seat.
  • Ignore and block anyone who harasses you on any forum including online platforms.
  • Report such abuse and bullying through the right channels. E.g., Facebook and Instagram have tabs for reporting abusive behavior or comments on their platforms hence make use of such channels. If a schoolmate is involved report it to your teachers and if adults are involved and there is a crime or illegal behavior  that has been committed, please let your parents/guardians involve the police.
  •  Do not take the cyberbullying insults and attacks to heart. It is NOT your fault. People and especially those acting anonymously on online platforms have got their own pains and issues they are grappling with. They are also projecting the same to innocent souls and they themselves need professional help.
  • Have good friends and family to form a support system in addition to telling them about what transpired. This will help you move forward past the attacks/abuse and bullying and continue being strong in your personal pursuits for a better life.

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