National Coordinator for Safety and Security in Schools, Richard Troupe, says school safety is a right for all students that goes beyond the absence of physical danger, permeating all facets of school life and operations.

Mr. Troupe was delivering remarks on behalf of portfolio Minister, Senator Dr. the Hon. Dana Morris Dixon, at the National Anti-Bullying Day Forum at the Jamaica Conference Centre in downtown Kingston on Wednesday (October 7).

Speaking against the background of the National Assessment of Perception of School Safety and Security, he noted the importance of a safe school environment in achieving positive educational outcomes.

He said that the assessment makes the link between students’ perception of safety and their academic performance.

He noted that a one unit increase in the perception of safety and security was associated with a 9.67 per cent increase in academic performance among high-school students.

“Creating safer schools is not separate from improving educational outcomes. When students feel that their school is safe… we create better conditions for them to participate and to achieve,” Mr. Troupe said.

The assessment also found that students at primary and secondary schools were experiencing bullying.

“The assessment found that the experience was relatively similar across primary and high schools, with 39.3 per cent of students at the primary level and 38.1 per cent of students at the high-school level agreeing that… students are always being bullied at their school,” Mr. Troupe noted.

He said that the findings highlight the importance of ensuring that “every child know that there is an adult who will listen, take them seriously, and help them to find a way forward”.

National Assessment of Perception of School Safety and Security was conducted in 2022 with reports generated in 2023.

It will be used to guide the policy approach to strengthening school safety and security, including reviewing the amended Safe School Policy.

Acting Chief Executive Officer of the Child Protection and Family Services Agency (CPFSA), Dr. Warren Thompson, in his address, said that bullying must be addressed through a collective effort involving children, parents, educators and the wider community.

He said the response must go beyond reacting to individual incidents and focus on creating school environments where children feel respected and included.

“The kind of school environment we want for our children cannot be built on fear, humiliation or exclusion. It must be built on respect, empathy, inclusion and the courage to stand up when something is wrong,” Dr. Thompson said.

He encouraged children and adults to speak up when bullying occurs or is suspected, noting that assistance is available through the national child protection helpline.

Dr. Thompson said the public can call 211 if they know or suspect that a child is being bullied or abused and needs help.

For his part, United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) Jamaica Deputy Representative, Mohammad Mohiuddin, said that bullying should be treated as an issue affecting children’s fundamental rights and not simply as misconduct that requires disciplinary action.

“Bullying is not merely a behavioural issue; it is a child rights issue,” he said.

Mr. Mohiuddin said the effects of bullying can undermine children’s ability to participate fully in school and feel protected within their learning environment.

“It undermines children’s rights to protection, dignity, participation, and quality education,” he said.

He called for schools to establish clear prevention strategies, safe mechanisms through which children can report bullying, and timely support for those affected.

Mr. Mohiuddin also underscored the role of parents and caregivers in responding appropriately when children disclose experiences of bullying.

He urged parents and caregivers to listen without judgment, while encouraging young people to speak up and seek assistance from trusted adults.

“Addressing bullying requires more than policies. It requires a culture of respect. It begins with all of us,” he said.

The National Anti-Bullying Day Forum, held under the theme ‘Kindness Run Di Place; Bullying Nuh Have No Space’, brought together students, educators, parents and child-protection stakeholders for youth and adult sessions focused on understanding.