JAMAICA: Government Tackles Bullying

#Jamaica, May 11, 2018 – Kingston – The Child Protection and Family Services Agency (CPFSA) will be launching an anti-bullying campaign this month.  Minister of State in the Ministry of Education, Youth and Information, Hon. Floyd Green, in making the disclosure in his contribution to the 2018/2019 Sectoral Debate in the House of Representatives on May 8, said that “the issue of bullying is real and has to be addressed”.

“Our anti-bullying campaign will highlight the prevalence of bullying, giving real-life scenarios and how children who are being bullied can get help,” he noted.

He noted that the safety in schools framework will also be strengthened with the introduction of a team of social workers who can assist in exploring the home situations of those who exhibit bullying tendencies, “because oftentimes, even the bullies are victims”.

The anti-bullying campaign is one of three major public-education initiatives to be rolled out by the CPFSA in May.  The others are focused on corporal punishment and children protection.  Mr. Green said the messages will be transmitted via mainstream and social media. “The agency’s public relations team will be hosting road shows island-wide as well as school and community visits,” he informed.

Meanwhile, the State Minister said the Ministry is formulating a ‘Know your Policy’ campaign to educate the public about the National Youth Policy 2017-2030.

The policy is designed to address major needs, challenges and opportunities for young people, while seeking to define a common vision and framework for youth development.

“It also endeavours to provide all youth to have access to meaningful opportunities, so that they may reach their full potential, and gives direction to youth programmes and services provided by the Government and non-government organisations,” Mr. Green said.

Release: JIS