SINT MAARTEN (GREAT BAY) - The Police Force of Sint Maarten (KPSM) is once again expressing serious concern regarding school fights that have already occurred during the first few weeks of the 2026–2027 school year.
KPSM has become aware of and has viewed several videos circulating on social media showing students involved in physical altercations. Of particular concern is the apparent practice of organizing, encouraging, or incentivizing these fights so that they can be recorded and shared on social media.
Over the past several years, KPSM has repeatedly addressed the issue of school-related violence and has worked together with parents, schools, government agencies, non-governmental organizations, and other community partners in an effort to prevent these incidents and address the underlying causes.
Despite these continued efforts, KPSM is once again seeing incidents occurring shortly after the beginning of a new school year.
The Police Force is therefore once again making a direct appeal to parents and guardians. Parents must remain actively involved in the lives of their children and be aware of what is taking place both inside and outside the school environment, including on social media.
KPSM is especially concerned about students who may be planning, organizing, encouraging, or gathering others to participate in fights for the purpose of recording and sharing the incidents online. What may appear to some as entertainment or a social-media trend can quickly develop into a dangerous situation, resulting in serious injuries, long-lasting consequences, and possible involvement with law enforcement.
KPSM wants to remind students that there are more constructive and responsible ways to deal with disagreements, conflicts, and personal problems. Violence should never be seen as a solution. Students are encouraged to seek assistance from parents, guardians, teachers, school counselors, mentors, community organizations, or other trusted adults before a disagreement escalates into a physical confrontation.
The role of KPSM in these situations is primarily focused on maintaining public safety and addressing any criminal behavior that may result from a fight or related incident. Where criminal offenses are committed, the police will investigate and take the necessary action in accordance with the law.
However, KPSM cannot and should not be expected to solve the entire social problem surrounding school fights on its own. Preventing these situations before they occur requires the continued involvement and cooperation of parents, guardians, schools, government agencies, non-governmental organizations, youth organizations, and the wider community.
KPSM therefore calls upon all parents and guardians to speak openly with their children about respect, responsibility, the consequences of violence, and the dangers of organizing, participating in, recording, or sharing school fights.
Our schools must remain safe places where students can learn, develop, and prepare for their future. The responsibility for creating and maintaining that safe environment belongs to all of us.
KPSM remains committed to working with all relevant partners in the community to prevent school violence and to ensure that the 2026–2027 school year remains as safe and positive as possible for all students.
