Education Ministry calls for urgent national action to confront bullying and prevent suicide among children

The Ministry of Education and Youth says the suspected suicide of a 16-year-old Holmwood Technical High School student from Trelawny over the weekend underscores the urgent need to confront bullying, strengthen mental health support, and address the pressures faced by Jamaica’s young people.

The ministry says the timing of this tragedy is particularly poignant, coming just days after World Suicide Prevention Day, observed on September 10 as a global reminder that suicide is preventable through awareness, support and collective action.

Minister of Education and Youth Dr Dana Morris Dixon, has reaffirmed the ministry’s commitment to strengthening student support systems.

She says considering the recent tragedies, this commitment must now translate into urgent national action.

“These deaths are devastating, and I condemn in the strongest terms the act of bullying that has been linked to this most recent loss,” Minister Morris Dixon said. “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 says.

Echoing the Dixon’s call, Permanent Secretary, Dr Kasan Troupe, has emphasised the Ministry’s determination to act and highlighted mental health as a pressing national concern.

She says since 2022, the ministry has engaged counselling psychologists and psychotherapists to provide counselling and mental health support to our students,

parents and school staff, free of charge to augment the in-school counselling services. Principals are being reminded to ensure this support is accessed through the Regional

Guidance Unit.

The ministry is urging students to speak out and report incidents of bullying and teachers to remain vigilant and respond swiftly to signs of distress. Parents are also urged to maintain open dialogue with their children, pay close attention to behavioural changes, and seek help if they suspect their child is struggling.

Further, the ministry is encouraging the wider community to help foster safe and inclusive environments for young people.

Warning signs such as withdrawal, avoidance of school, mood changes, or expressions of hopelessness must never be ignored.

The ministry says 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.

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