Education Minister Fayval Williams has condemned a recent incident where a 12-year-old boy was seen bullying another 9-year-old boy at a school in Portland.

“It is absolutely intolerable that any child in our education system should suffer such cruel treatment. This incident is a stark reminder that we as a society must do more to protect our children from harm. The Ministry of Education and Youth will leave no stone unturned in our efforts to eradicate this behaviour from our schools,” Williams said.

In a video that has now gone viral on social media, the 12-year-old boy was seen kicking, shoving and pushing his schoolmate. He has since been charged with assault causing actual bodily harm.

Following the incident, the Ministry of Education and Youth has enacted a series of critical interventions, in partnership with the school’s leadership, the regional office, and the Child Protection and Family Services Agency (CPFSA).

“Let this serve as a warning: bullying in any form will not be tolerated in our schools. We are adopting a zero-tolerance policy against bullying, and those found guilty of such acts will face the full weight of disciplinary measures,” Williams warned.

The following immediate actions are underway:

• Enforced Student Safety Policies: The school will overhaul its safety and security protocols to ensure that children are under vigilant supervision, particularly during non-class hours, where many of these incidents occur.
• Psychosocial Support for Students: The children involved in the incident will be referred to the Child Guidance Clinic and other support services, including the Ministry of Justice’s Victim Services Division (VSD), to address the emotional and psychological damage caused.
• Ongoing Counseling for the School Community: The Ministry’s Guidance and Counseling Unit will intensify its presence at the school, offering continuous support to both students and staff in creating a culture of respect and empathy.
• Law Enforcement Involvement: The Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) will conduct specialized safety sessions with the students, emphasizing the importance of respect, discipline, and conflict resolution.
• Strengthening Parental Involvement: An educational social worker will be actively involved in upcoming PTA meetings to engage parents and ensure they are equipped to support the safety and emotional needs of their children.
• Rigorous Monitoring: The Ministry’s Regional Office will maintain strict oversight of the school’s compliance with these interventions and report regularly to the Minister to ensure swift and effective action.