The Child Protection and Family Services Agency (CPFSA) yesterday located a male student who was seen in a viral video being physically assaulted by other male students, in a similar uniform. The Agency is in dialogue with the school and will be providing psychological support to the student.
“We identified that the boys in the video were from Hopewell High School therefore our First Responders visited the school yesterday, Thursday, November 28. We spoke with the 15-year-old student who was assaulted, as well as his father and the CPFSA will be providing counselling through our Children and Family Support Unit,” Mrs. Laurette Adams-Thomas, CPFSA CEO explained.
The CPFSA understands that the boy was allegedly beaten on two occasions earlier this week, by the group of students who seem to be members of a gang. The matter was reported to the police, and the 15-year-old is to receive medical attention today, Friday, November 29, 2024. The CPFSA was informed that the main suspect was arrested and charged and will appear before the court on the 29/11/2024.
“The video was quite perturbing to watch. The behaviour of the boys is simply heartless. We continue to see serious levels of aggression in these bullying cases which indicate that something is fundamentally wrong with our exposure to violence as a society. According to the 2023 Jamaica Violence Against Children (VAC) survey, more than 3 out of every 4 children and youth experienced violence in their lifetime and more than half (53%) of children and youth who experience physical violence had their first incident at ages 12-17 years. Also, 1 in 3 males experience childhood physical violence in Jamaica. In relation to physical violence against males (children and youth ages 13-24), 44% of the perpetrators are usually their peers.
While the CPFSA continues to work with the family and students, the CEO noted violence is preventable. She is calling on parents to be more assertive in taking steps to safeguard and support our children.
“As a nation, we can all help in the fight against bullying and violence (in all its forms) against our children. Parents, you need to maintain an open and active communication system with your child/ren so that they feel comfortable to come and speak with you about what is happening to them either at school or in their communities. Also, pay attention to your children so that you are able to quickly identify possible signs of bullying. Is your child anxious about going to school? Does he/she have unexplained physical marks or bruising? Is he/she losing money or has no friends? Has academic performance declined?
“Additionally if you get complaints about your child bullying others, or you notice aggression in your child’s behaviour towards others, take it seriously and get help for your child early. Most importantly, we need to be good role models to our children. Remember, violence begets violence,” Adams-Thomas said
Mrs. Adams-Thomas further sought to remind and encourage persons to report bullying, as well as all forms of child abuse using the 24-hour child abuse reporting hotline 211.