Better results with stick and carrot approach

THE call for school liaison officers to be more attentive, proactive and to work with disciplinary teachers in critical “hotspot” schools is spot on (The Star, Aug 19). Schools should be safe and caring learning places that can deal with disruptive and bad behaviour such as bullying and harassment.

However, it is also important for schools to have internal mechanisms to reduce truancy and behavioural problems. Hence, connecting families to schools and school activities – for example, by fostering more meetings between parents and teachers and involving families in homework, projects, field trips and other activities – is to be recommended.