(Nation News) SAME-SEX relationships between females at secondary schools across Barbados are causing authorities great concern.
According to reports, the problem has gotten so out-of-hand during the past two to three years, that some principals and teachers have had to find ways to protect first and second form school students from being pounced upon by older students who seek to recruit them into their circles.
Marcia Weekes, a counsellor who works with several schools told the SUNDAY SUN: “It is horrible at one of the older top schools, where girls make out in front each other – even on the corridors.
“Most of these are fourth and fifth formers. What is more of a concern is that they are aggressive, operate in groups, stick together and recruit younger students.”
Teachers from both older and newer secondary schools have also brought their concerns to the fore.
A senior teacher at an older secondary school said the problem was further escalated at some schools by female teachers who themselves were into these types of relationships.
“This situation has gotten worse within the last three to four years, even among some teaching staff. Many of the female janitors at the schools are aware of the situations. They know what goes on in the toilets,” he lamented.
“One reason I believe is that the girls are being told not to get pregnant, and so are doing their own thing among themselves,” he added.
He said the growth of this type of behaviour started as long as ten years ago, but was now more prevalent.
“I’ve always felt that there is a higher incidence of lesbianism than homosexuality period, and this is the evidence,” he said.
Deputy Director of the Child Care Board, Denise Nurse, said her organisation was aware of the concerns of principals and teachers.
“We are aware of the growth of these forms of relationships, and yes, something must be done.
“It becomes a form of child sexual abuse, especially since a lot of women are also encouraging young girls to have relationships with them”.
Nurse said parents must “stop giving their children so much freedom” and watch who they kept company with.
“When they say they are involved in an activity at school, they must find out what it is all about and who is involved. It is equally important also that they talk to them about their caretakers – teachers, coaches and watch their body language when they speak about these persons.
“Check up on them, search their belongings, you’re entitled to do that,” she advised.
“They also need to look for signs. Many times, signs are there, but parents turn a blind eye . . . watch how their voices are lowered when they are on the telephones,” she added.
Nurse also called on parents to better supervise their children, to get involved in their lives and activities, teach them what was right and wrong about sex and how to be safe, and to encourage them when they did well.
“We teach our daughters how to be careful with men, but we must also teach them about being careful with women, and how to have a high self-esteem . . . .”
Acting Chief Education Officer Laurie King said they had not received reports from principals on this matter.