JAMAICA | Preventing Underage Gambling:Deans of Discipline Focus on Behavioral Transformation

(WiredJA) -In addressing concerns of an apparent apparent increase in underage gambling, Deans of Discipline, who have participated in the RISE Life Management Services training workshops, say that beyond sanctions, innovative methods, are being used to tackle underage gambling prevention in schools.

The dean of discipline of St George’s College in the Ministry of Education and Youth’s Region One inner city belt of Kingston and St Andrew, Leroy Jones, says  “It’s not just sanctions that are being applied. He notes that  “students are allowed to understand that there are certain behavioral expectations specific to the environment.”

The innovative programme, sponsored by the Betting Gaming and Lotteries Commission (BGLC), boasts the participation of Levon Brissett,  dean of discipline of Anchovy High School of the Ministry’s St James, Westmoreland and Hanover Region Four, the largest zone.

“Though our approach is one of zero tolerance,” Brissett argues that “we work tirelessly at buy-in from students and parents.

Jones, a math teacher from 2006, was assigned the post of dean of discipline some two years ago. The transfer he says was not problematic as both disciplines require the ability to reason.

The school prides itself with its safety net programmes, “but one has to be aware,” he says, “with the challenges facing society as youngsters are always at risk with the lure of quick money for all that they want.”

He highlights the intervention and behavioral modification programmes designed to help students understand why certain behaviours are unacceptable and must be prevented.

There is the weekend programme (on Saturdays) called ‘journalling’, a five-hour programme fashioned by vice principal Huntley Anderson that is one of service to the school community.

The programme features fitness exercise, and a writing and rap session with the programme supervisor (dean and others) in which students are given the opportunity to share their thoughts. ‘It has been working effectively’ beams Dean of Discipline Jones.

At Anchovy, says Brissett, those found gambling are sent home and are sent to RISE Life and other organizations for treatment. On returning, they’re engaged as mentors for younger students, and this has successfully addressed the issue of gambling at the school.

Importantly, the restoration of a number of school clubs for extracurricular activities, under the stewardship of principal Dr Lavern Stewart, has also helped.

Brissett, Vice President of the National Association of the Deans of Discipline for two years and now public relations officer of the Region Four body, shares the concerns of Jones about activities away from school.

“There are a lot of gambling sites which advertise on TikTok, and one has to be concerned about youngsters standing in line at various E-sports betting outlets.”

He emphasises the need for greater awareness among parents, expressing concern that not enough alarm has been raised. “We must continue to sound the alarm because we cannot afford to lose our youth,” Jones asserts.

“As deans of discipline, our role extends far beyond enforcement; it’s about fostering positive behaviour and transforming lives.”

The Betting Gaming & Lotteries Commission (BGLC), in full partnership with RISE Life Management Services, implements sensitization and training programmes to address underage gambling prevention in schools and communities.

“Our partnership with RISE Life underscores our commitment to safeguarding our youth from the dangers of underage gambling,” says Vitus Evans, Executive Director of the BGLC.

“By investing in training and sensitization sessions, we aim to empower educators and communities to not only enforce rules but also to foster environments where positive behavioral changes can take root.”