Caribbean PTA Council calls for unified front against bullying

In a statement released today, CCNPTA President Everton Hannam commended regional governments for their initial steps in tackling the issue but stressed that policy reforms alone are insufficient.

Real and lasting change requires the partnership of parents, teachers, communities, and the media, Hannam asserted.

The council defines bullying as repeated, intentional, and harmful behaviour where an individual or group uses a position of power to inflict hurt. This persistent problem, they note, has become a major concern both in schoolyards and across the digital landscape of the Caribbean.

"We applaud governments that have taken decisive steps to address bullying through national campaigns, policy reforms, and education initiatives," said Hannam. "But real and lasting change requires the partnership of parents, teachers, communities, and the media."

The statement placed a particular emphasis on the crucial role of parents in this collective fight. Hannam urged families to stay engaged in their children's lives, learn to recognize the warning signs of bullying — whether their child is a perpetrator or a victim — and work collaboratively with schools to foster environments of respect and empathy.

"Bullying is not a phase — it is a serious social issue," Hannam stated unequivocally. "Every child has the right to feel safe, respected, and valued. Together, we can end this scourge and build a Caribbean rooted in kindness and mutual respect."

Reaffirming its commitment to the cause, the Caribbean Council of National PTAs pledged to continue its partnership with regional governments and education stakeholders. The ultimate goal, the council says, is a unified one: to ensure every school in the Caribbean is a safe and inclusive space for every child.

Bullying is a significant problem in the Caribbean, with approximately 29% of teenagers experiencing it at school according to data from the Global School-Based Health Survey (GSHS). In Jamaica, studies show even higher prevalence. A 2015 UNICEF study stated 60% of students in Jamaica reporting being bullied at some point, and many students fearing going to school due to it. The negative impacts are substantial, including increased loneliness, depression, anxiety, and suicidal thoughts. The classroom is regarded as the number place among children that bullying occurs.