Jamaica to observe national anti-bullying day

The chief executive officer of the Child Protection and Family Services Agency (CPFSA), Laurette Adams Thomas, has described as a defining moment for children in Jamaica  the  proclamation signed by Governor-General, Sir Patrick Allen, designating October 7 as National Anti-Bullying Day.

“This is more than just a symbolic day; it is a national call to action. Every act of bullying leaves scars—some visible, some invisible—that can last a lifetime. By dedicating a day each year to awareness and action, we are saying clearly and collectively that bullying has no place in our schools, in our communities, or in our society,” Thomas said.

“With the Governor-General’s proclamation, Jamaica now joins countries around the world that have enshrined national observances to combat bullying. This bold step reaffirms the nation’s collective responsibility to protect its children and signals to victims, perpetrators, and bystanders alike that bullying is unacceptable and must end,” she added.

The CPFSA had made a formal  request to the Head of State to sign the proclamation, a position that was endorsed by the Ministry of Education and Youth.

“The proclamation is a milestone, but it is only the beginning. Through schools, parents, guidance counsellors, and community leaders, we will amplify the message across Jamaica that every child deserves to learn and grow in an environment free from fear. Together, we will build safer schools and stronger communities,” said Minister of Education and Youth, Dr Dana Morris Dixon.

She said that since 2022 the Ministry has engaged counselling psychologists and psychotherapists to provide counselling and mental health support to students, parents, and school staff free of charge to augment the in-school counselling services.

The CPFSA said the initiative is being advanced by the National Anti-Bullying Technical Working Group, a multi-agency task force comprising the Ministry, CPFSA, UNICEF, the National Secondary Students’ Council, the Early Childhood Commission, the Planning Institute of Jamaica, the Ministry of Health and Wellness, and the Jamaica Constabulary Force.

In a statement it said that the move is part of efforts to address bullying as a matter of urgent national concern and that it signals Jamaica’s unified effort to tackle the pervasive issue in schools and communities while fostering kindness, empathy, and respect among citizens.

The CPFSA said that the National Anti-Bullying Day seeks to help reinforce Jamaica’s collective resolve to confront bullying in all its forms and to protect the dignity and well-being of children and young people.

It said together with the various stakeholders, they are working to create a coordinated and sustained national response to bullying, ensuring that planned interventions are both far-reaching and impactful, the agency noted.

The Education Ministry, through CPFSA, will begin leading a slate of anti-bullying activities across Jamaica that will continue throughout the academic year.

Schools will host assemblies, workshops for principals, deans of disciplines, and teachers, and other creative showcases to encourage empathy and positive peer relationships.

A national art and essay competition is also being planned to allow students to directly engage in the movement.

A national media campaign will also be undertaken to spread the anti-bully message across television, radio, and digital platforms, with a special focus on social media. (CMC)

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