Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar says parents should be held legally and financially accountable for their children’s behaviour as part of efforts to address rising violence and misconduct in Trinidad and Tobago’s schools.

In a statement, Persad-Bissessar expressed concern over figures recently shared by Education Minister Michael Dowlath showing an increase in incidents taking place during class time.

“Behaviour must not be tolerated anywhere in our country, especially in our nation’s schools,” she said.

Persad-Bissessar noted that incidents occurring during class time with a member of staff present increased from 401 to 544.

“These incidents should be addressed with expulsion, in my personal view. If a student cannot behave properly when a teacher is present, you can only imagine how much worse they behave when unsupervised,” she said.

The Prime Minister argued that a small group of disruptive students should not be allowed to undermine the education of others who want to learn.

“It’s time for the parents of this minority of misbehaving students to take responsibility for their children’s behaviour and find some alternative for them to do if they cannot behave appropriately at school,” she said.

She also suggested that some students were mirroring behaviour seen at home, noting that many were “simply replicating the bad behaviour of their parents and others at home.”

Persad-Bissessar said her Government’s 2026 legislative agenda will include a proposed law aimed at holding parents accountable for their children’s involvement in bullying, violence and related misconduct.

“I indicated that my Government’s 2026 legislative agenda will include a proposed law to hold parents legally accountable for their children’s involvement in bullying, violence, and related misconduct, especially in schools. We are working on this,” she said.

According to the Prime Minister, the proposed legislation forms part of broader efforts to address concerns about school violence, gang influence and the lack of effective deterrents.

Under the proposed bill, parents could face fines or other penalties if their children are repeatedly involved in bullying or violent acts.

Persad-Bissessar also urged young people to take their education seriously.

“I urge young people to get serious about life. When you waste your educational opportunities and fail your exams, your future will be very difficult because your earning potential will be very limited,” she said.