Q My son, 15, got mixed up with a group of young men who have been expelled from the high school he attends. Now the young men are saying that he should be kicked out of school, too. How do I deal with this problem?

A Since there has been an investigation at the school and a decision was made by the school authority, then you should accept that and move on. Work with your son and encourage him to be positive and work towards achieving his personal and professional goals.

Private-school registration process

Q What is the procedure to register a child in a private school in Jamaica? I am having some financial challenges here in the US and may have to send my 10-year-old child to stay with my mother.

A Each private school will have its own guidelines. The best thing to do is to contact the school you wish your child to attend and they will give you all the details. Remember to notify the school in the US from which your child will be taking a leave of absence.

Child speaking of illegal activities

Q If a child comes to school and speaks of illegal activities occurring at home, is it the responsibility of the school staff to report this to the police?

A Anyone who hears information that seems factual regarding illegal activities should notify the police. If a child shares such information at school, a responsible educator should get information from the child to determine whether or not the information is factual, and then report the information gathered to the police authorities. Remember, as adults we must protect our children.

Orlean Brown-Earle, PhD, is a child psychologist and family therapist. Dr Brown-Earle works with children with learning and behavioural problems throughout the island and in the Caribbean. Email questions to helpline@gleanerjm.com or send to Ask the Doc, c/o The Gleaner Company, 7 North Street, Kingston. Responses to concerns are to be considered as general, as cases shared with psychologists privately would be queried more deeply. Pray always!