Naked parent disrupts online class

"Oh my God, who is that back there naked?" exclaimed a teacher after a nude adult entered the video frame of a child who was participating in online schooling via an Internet platform.

While it appeared that the incident did not happen in Jamaica, the National Parenting Support Commission (NPSC) is calling for parents to dress appropriately while they supervise the online engagements. The commission has also urged parents to ensure students are dressed in uniforms for online classes.

"The fact that you're home does not mean it isn't school. I would want to reinforce that thought, that conversations must be had between schools and parents to ensure there is some consensus on what children are to wear. We do not want them being exposed. The temptation is to clad the upper half and perhaps the lower half is not properly clad. We do not want anyone getting up from a seat and getting inappropriate exposure," Kaysia Kerr, CEO of the NPSC, said.

According to the National Parent-Teacher Association of Jamaica, the wearing of uniform should be encouraged under normal circumstances as it provides a sense of structure. But COVID-19 has created different circumstances.

"We are suggesting that in instances of uniforms not being available, where it is possible, an agreed 'dress format' should be worked out. Students should be able to wear their PE (physical education) tops and jeans, or suitable street clothing ... we call it 'going out clothes'. Our children must also be properly groomed. But we do not believe that students should be penalised for not wearing uniforms," the association told THE STAR.