THE EVER-PRESENT CELLPHONE and flagrant tattoos have been identified as "emerging problems" and symbols of a growing sub-culture by a leading educator.

Principal of the Princess Margaret Secondary School, Dr Wismore Butcher, outlined these concerns during an interview with the SUNDAY SUN last Thursday, as students prepared to go on summer holiday.

Butcher said the cellphone had taken on a culture of its own, and while it was a good product, the device was now proving to be a nuisance in some instances. However, he added that his school had it under control.

"The hype around these phones is so high, it's like if you don't have one, you're from the backwoods," he said.

The principal said that, personally, he would like to see the cellphone used as a teaching aide, somewhat like a mini-computer.

Then, he identified the tattoo as another emerging problem which was becoming very fashionable.

"Once, tattoos were for the wild and worthless, but now it has become acceptable by people who called themselves decent," Butcher noted, adding that his comments were not intended to offend anyone.

"A tattoo on a schoolchild is out of order, and the authorities, parents and the community as a whole need to rally against it," the Princess Margaret head added.

But, he questioned if this were possible, given "the frightening development" of a sub-culture fast overtaking the major culture.

"Too many children are not recognising right from wrong. It's a herculean task in trying to show a child that what he has done is wrong. It's a challenge," he pointed out.

The educator also highlighted lack of parental support and involvement as another area of concern, especially at parent-teacher meetings, form-level meetings and one-on-one meetings.

Too often, he pointed out, parents sided with their indisciplined children, instead of "giving them the moral compass which was needed to lead them in the right direction".

The principal called on both home and community to take a stand against what he termed the decadent slide down into the abyss, before it was too late.

"The time has come for all to recognise that there are problems, and we all have a part to play in bringing about meaningful solutions," he said.