Cyberbullying a major concern in schools

WESTERN BUREAU:

Darien Henry, principal of Montego Bay Community College, is urging parents to closely monitor their children’s use of tablets and mobile phones, warning that these devices can serve as gateways for predators and platforms for cyberbullying.

Speaking at the Trelawny police’s recent Safety in Schools church service held at the First Assembly Church in Falmouth, Henry described the devices as both “good and bad”, depending on how they are used.

“We are facing a new set of realities. One of them is cyberbullying. It leaves an invisible scar on our youngsters,” said Henry. “The troubling rise in physical violence among our youngsters can be traced to cyberbullying. When you threaten and send derogatory messages to demean others, it is a precursor to physical violence.”

He added: “The youngsters use the various platforms on their technological devices to perpetrate these acts, which are against the law. Parents, I call on you to be on the ball and observe and monitor the kinds of activities your children are engaged in.”

Cyberbullying – defined as the use of technology to cause harm or pain to others – is increasingly infiltrating Jamaica’s schools. Experts warn that it often goes hand in hand with traditional bullying, including verbal abuse and physical assault, targeting students who often feel powerless to defend themselves.

The dangers became tragically apparent in recent weeks when two students – one from Lilliput in St James and another from Stettin in Trelawny – have been suspected to have died by suicide following sustained bullying from peers.

Leighton Johnson, principal of Muschett High School in Trelawny, acknowledged the growing problem among his students.

“It is a worrying trend, and we have to be proactive before it gets too far out of hand,” said Johnson. “Our guidance department is working with outside resources in speaking to the children about the dangers they face. We impress on them that the Cybercrimes Act makes it a criminal offence for which they can be arrested and charged.”

Deputy Superintendent of Police Peter Salkey of the Trelawny Police Division echoed the concerns.

“It is not only rampant in Trelawny but right across Jamaica. We are working closely with the schools and parents in their parent-teacher meetings,” said Salkey. “Everyone is being urged to report any case of cyberbullying. We use our lectures to inform on the law associated with the Cybercrimes Act. I must inform you that from [the] reports, [some] investigations have resulted in arrests being made.”

At Albert Town High, also in Trelawny, Principal Janice Sieen Miller told The Gleaner that cyberbullying is one of the most pressing issues her school faces.

“Right now, we have a case of two boys who have become physical at school. They were involved in cyberbullying over the weekend and brought it out on the physical plant. We will have to put our thoughts together to come up with solutions,” she said.

On Tuesday, the Ministry of Education said there was an “urgent need to confront bullying, strengthen mental-health support, and address the pressures faced by Jamaica’s young people” as it urged students to report all cases of bullying.

“These deaths are devastating, and I condemn in the strongest terms the act of bullying that has been linked to this most recent loss,” said Education Minister Dr Dana Morris Dixon, referring to the suspected suicides. “Bullying is not harmless. It is destructive and dangerous, capable of eroding a child’s confidence and sense of self-worth and sometimes leading to fatal consequences. As a country, we must face this reality head-on.

“Every child deserves a safe and supportive learning environment, and the ministry will intensify its response to protect them. But we cannot succeed without the active involvement of parents, schools, and communities working together,” she said.

The ministry urged parents and teachers to remain vigilant and respond swiftly to signs of distress. Parents, it advised, should maintain open dialogue with their children, pay close attention to behavioural changes, and seek help if they suspect their child is struggling.

editorial@gleanerjm.com

Getting help

Immediate support is available through Safe Spot at 888-723-3776, the CPFSA Child Protection Hotline at 211, or the Mental Health & Suicide Prevention Helpline at 888-NEW-LIFE.