CPFSA intervenes in case of bullying captured in viral video

 

Days after issuing an appeal for students across Jamaica to put an end to bullying, the Child Protection and Family Services Agency says it has intervened in a case that was captured in a viral video.

 

In the 47-second clip, a tearful primary school boy is being shoved, punched and kicked by an older boy on what appears to be the grounds of the institution.

 

The CPFSA says its team of first responders was dispatched to the school today to provide counselling to the students involved.

 

Laurette Adams-Thomas, CEO of the CPFSA, has described the video as horrifying.

 

"It is more so disturbing to think that based on the participation and reaction of the students, that they were unfazed by this type of violence. In cases of bullying, no one is left unscathed. The victim may experience immediate and devastating effects such as anxiety, severe depression, low self-esteem, which can also lead to attempted suicide, challenges in forming personal relationships, poor academic performance, just the name of few," she explained.

 

Mrs. Adams-Thomas said perpetrators are also at risk of long-term negative effects, including social isolation and increased aggression; and they themselves may be victims of bullying in their own homes, and are further perpetuating a cycle of abuse.

 

She has called for students to be brave and speak out about incidents of bullying or any other forms of abuse that they may see or experience.

 

In the meantime, the police said school resource officers attached to the Portland Community Safety and Security Branch visited the school on Tuesday.