Warning that if bullying was not addressed early it could result in “students encountering the justice system at an early age”, Chief Education Officer Dr Ramona Archer-Bradshaw, called on parents to pay a more active role in stamping out the behaviour.
She was speaking at the relaunch of the Owleus Bullying Prevention Programme at Frederick Smith Secondary School yesterday.
“I urge parents to get on board with your children to chart a new way forward with bullying prevention initiatives. While you as parents are not at school with your children, you must distinguish between the role of a parent and that of a friend. You too as parents must be willing to reprimand and correct behaviour when this is required and work in partnership with the school,” she said.
Bullying, she added, went beyond violent actions. According to UNICEF, it also included spreading rumours, verbal assault, the exclusion of others or any actions that were intentionally repeated to cause another child to feel hurt. (Nation News)