Increased police presence in Philippine schools will not deter violence, but instead normalise an authoritarian environment for learners.
FO Take · Score 10
Sending police into schools is a facile response to complex societal issues. It criminalises youth, fosters a climate of fear, and does nothing to address the root causes of violence. Education should be an emancipatory force, not a training ground for obedience. Are we truly so bereft of imagination?
The strongest counter
Proponents argue that a visible police presence deters crime and offers a sense of security. They believe that strong ties between law enforcement and schools can prevent incidents and promote discipline.