SHS heads advocate publication of disciplinary data to curb indiscipline in schools

Heads of Senior High Schools (SHSs) in Ghana’s Central Region are calling for the introduction of a structured system for collecting and publishing disciplinary data across houses and classes in schools, as part of efforts to improve behaviour management, accountability and student welfare.

According to the school leaders, making disciplinary trends visible and measurable would help schools identify patterns of misconduct, target interventions more effectively and monitor progress over time.

The proposal was presented during a workshop organised by the National Peace Council (NPC) in Cape Coast aimed at strengthening peace, tolerance and discipline in senior high schools.

The Heads of Schools explained that publishing disciplinary statistics at house and class levels would introduce constructive peer pressure, encouraging student leaders and housemasters to take greater responsibility for behaviour within their units.

They argued that turning discipline management into a measurable system would transform behavioural expectations from abstract goals into clear, trackable targets that can be monitored and evaluated.

According to them, this approach would also allow school administrators to identify persistent problem areas and allocate support more efficiently where it is most needed.

They stressed that regular reporting of disciplinary trends would strengthen accountability, improve transparency and help measure the effectiveness of interventions introduced by school management.

The call for reform comes amid growing concerns about student behaviour in senior high schools, including viral incidents of sexting, bullying and physical violence circulating on social media.

School authorities believe that a more structured disciplinary monitoring system would help prevent such behaviours and allow early intervention before issues escalate.

The workshop focused on equipping school leaders with practical strategies to respond quickly and effectively to disciplinary challenges while fostering a safer and more respectful school environment.

Beyond data tracking, the Heads of Schools also recommended greater autonomy and improved resourcing for Guidance and Counselling Units in schools.

They emphasized that well-functioning counselling systems are essential for promoting respect, cooperation and positive identity formation among students.

Strengthening these units, they said, would help address underlying causes of indiscipline, including peer pressure, overcrowded classrooms, inadequate facilities, unresolved conflicts, and cases of sexual harassment or misconduct.

They also raised concerns about teachers’ conflicts of interest, such as selling items to students, which they believe can undermine discipline and trust within schools.

The school leaders further called for stronger parental involvement in disciplinary processes, arguing that collaboration between schools and families is key to improving student behaviour.

They noted that when parents are informed and actively involved in addressing misconduct, students are more likely to take responsibility for their actions, reducing repeat offences.

Speaking at the workshop, the Regional Director of Education, Dr. Juliette Dufie Otami, commended the National Peace Council for its efforts in promoting religious tolerance within schools.

She emphasized that education is not only about academic knowledge but also about shaping character, values and responsible citizenship.

Dr. Otami stressed that Ghana’s diverse religious and cultural background should be seen as a strength rather than a source of division, urging schools to foster inclusivity and mutual respect among students of different faiths.

She reaffirmed the Ghana Education Service’s commitment to ensuring safe, inclusive and equitable learning environments for all learners and staff.

“Promoting religious tolerance is not only an educational responsibility but also a national imperative that contributes to social cohesion, peaceful coexistence and sustainable development,” she stated.

The Director for Capacity Development and Outreach at the National Peace Council, Mrs. Janet Dedei Sarney-Kuma, also addressed participants, highlighting the importance of respecting religious freedom as guaranteed under Ghana’s 1992 Constitution.

She noted that students of different faiths—whether Christian or Muslim—must coexist peacefully and be treated with dignity and inclusion in all school environments.

Mrs. Sarney-Kuma further emphasized the importance of unity among students, teachers, non-teaching staff and parents, warning that external influences can sometimes fuel tension within schools.

She stressed that stronger parental engagement and community support play a crucial role in reducing indiscipline and promoting peace in educational institutions.

Participants at the workshop agreed that combining data-driven discipline systems, stronger counselling services and improved parental involvement could significantly reduce indiscipline in schools.

They expressed optimism that these measures would help build safer, more respectful and more supportive learning environments where students can thrive academically and socially.