Schools are frequently forced to become safe spaces for children after their homes and families have failed to protect them, according to Ottos Comprehensive School Principal Forster Roberts.

Roberts spoke during Tuesday night’s National Child Protection Town Hall Meeting hosted by the Ministry of Social and Urban Transformation.

He rejected the suggestion that schools are always the first places where signs of abuse are detected, arguing that the home should provide the first layer of protection.

However, when the home fails, children often turn to teachers, counsellors and school administrators for help.

“The child comes to the next safe place, which is the school,” Roberts said.

The educator explained that students regularly disclose incidents to school personnel after reporting them to parents and receiving no assistance.

He recalled a case involving a student who began cutting herself after allegedly experiencing abuse.

Roberts said teachers are increasingly required to operate as educators, counsellors, social workers and first responders while managing classrooms and academic responsibilities.

He also raised concern about children who are frequently absent from school or kept at home by parents.

Roberts said parents should be held accountable where they deliberately prevent children from attending school or fail to ensure their educational needs are met.

He emphasized that abuse and neglect have direct consequences for academic performance.

Children dealing with hunger, trauma, fear and unstable living arrangements may arrive at school late, struggle to concentrate, display behavioural difficulties or eventually drop out.

Minister Rawdon Turner highlighted the case of two children who reportedly walked from Seatons to All Saints to attend school and often arrived tired, late and showing signs of malnutrition.

Roberts said schools require additional counselling services, security, training and stronger links with police and social services.

He also called for parents to become more involved in school life and for community organizations to help provide structured activities for children outside the classroom.

The principal noted the decline of youth organizations such as the Boys’ Brigade, Girls’ Brigade, Brownies and Girl Guides, which traditionally supported families by teaching discipline, responsibility and community values.

Roberts said protecting children requires safe homes, safe schools and safe communities working together.