Bermuda must get serious about the violence that is negatively affecting the lives of our youth.

In a recent statement in the wake of the murder of teenager Ethan Arruda, I called on the Minister of National Security to articulate a plan to address youth violence.

Nothing material has been forthcoming beyond the usual platitudes of “coming together”.

I agree that uniting as a community is ultimately going to be the most effective element of any plan to tackle youth violence and antisocial behaviour, but Bermudians want something actionable, something capable of immediate implementation.

I will admit that I am only an attorney and not a youth counsellor or psychologist. But I am a Bermudian who cares and I am a parent who has concerns, not only for my children’s futures, but the future of every young person in this island.

My experience with youth violence in the past tended to focus on prosecution of young offenders when I was Crown counsel with the Department of Public Prosecutions, so I am open to advice from experts.

Youth violence is best addressed from a public health and social development perspective. The goal should be to allow our youth to lead meaningful and fulfilling lives. I have observed from my own experience that punishment and retribution are poor tools for achieving those ends.

Here are a few proposals I would put forward to try to solve the problems that can foster youth violence and antisocial behaviour:

1, Immediately implement a review of the accountabilities used to judge performance for existing programmes funded by the public purse that are intended to address youth violence and steer at-risk youths away from gang culture

2, Consider alternatives, including the Johns Hopkins VRC model, and seek private-sector partnerships to fund their implementation. Target a 12-month time frame for action. Publish regular public reporting on the activities of these programmes, using performance metrics and other measurable factors, to allow the public the ability to assess and provide feedback on the efficacy of the programmes

3, Prioritise civil suits brought by the Crown under Part IIIA of the Proceeds of Crime Act 1997 to recover funds that can be proven to be proceeds of criminal activity, and use those funds to support community centres, sports clubs and other extracurricular facilities that contribute to personal growth, community engagement, and a sense of purpose and self-worth among young people. This is already legislated for, but there has been no apparent political will to exercise these powers

4, Work with local influencers, whether that is local performing artists, social-media personalities, church groups or others, to implement a long-term public campaign aimed at shifting the culture of our island’s youth in a way that promotes meaningful civic engagement and participation in society

5, Work with the Bermuda Health Council to make mental health resources available to youth and their families to help resolve conflicts, rebuild relationships and support children suffering from mental illness or distress

6, Work with the Department of Court Services to enhance rehabilitation offerings that promote the development of useful and sustainable skill sets, mechanisms for emotional regulation, and constructive dispute resolution techniques for young offenders that have committed violent crimes

7, Work with the Department of Child and Family Services to develop — and sponsor through private-sector partnerships — educational programmes that develop young people’s and parents’ emotional intelligence, and provide parents with resources to address behavioural challenges that might require treatment at an early stage

8, Work with an independent education authority to implement training programmes for teachers and give them the tools to better support those students who may be at risk of participating in antisocial behaviours, or who may need other forms of support

9, Consider extending the school day, providing children with structured safe spaces to develop themselves constructively. Invite community support to establish extracurricular clubs and leadership programmes to reduce pressure on teachers during that period

These proposals try to be mindful of costs and use existing mechanisms to achieve their goals. In the spirit of bipartisanship, I urge the education minister to consider some of these ideas. I would welcome the opportunity to discuss them further and contribute to their successful implementation.

• Geoffrey Faiella is the approved One Bermuda Alliance candidate for Devonshire East (Constituency 11)