English teacher from TCHS

1) Do you agree that there are an increasing number of teenagers joining secret societies (gangs)?

Yes. Encountered young people who joined these. Taught them before.

2) What do you think are the main reasons/causes for this situation?

Family lacks support. Young people turn to peers for help and identity.

3) What do you see as the most terrifying thing that can result from the present situation?

S'pore is based on people resource. If young people joined gangs, future of S'pore is unstable.

4) How do you think the school (teachers) can play a part in improving the situation?

Provide counselling and support. Let young people know that there are alternatives to joing gangs.

5) How do you think the family (parents) can play a part to improve the situation?

Spend quality time with child and take an interest in what their child is doing.

6) How do you think friends (peer pressure) can play a part to help improve the situation?

By giving moral support and raised awareness about gang behaviour and outcomes.

7) What other sources do you think can play a part in improving the situation?

Media can focus more on family values and creating half-way houses for these youths.

8) Ultimately, what/who do you think is the most important, in helping the teenagers who are involved and those who are at risk of joining?

Providing an opportunity whereby they feel secure/wanted so that they don't 'cling' to these ideas and outlets.

9) Which of the following ways do you think is more appropriate in dealing with the teenagers involved?

A. 'hard' - punishments, caning, Boy's Home etc.

B. 'soft' - persuasion, peer pressure etc.

Please state a reason for your choice.

It involves a combination. Normally, we would start with the 'soft' but if that didn't work, progress to 'hard'. Depends on individuals.

10) If a student has involvement in secret societies but this does not affect his performance in school at all, what do you think a teacher should do?

It may not affect now but future consequences? Probably teacher should talk to student and raised his/her awareness to consequences and outcomes.