Retreat Primary launches anti-bullying campaign

 

Administrators at Retreat Primary School in St. Mary have launched an anti-bullying campaign, which they hope will empower students to speak up and report the behaviour.

 

The programme was launched on Tuesday during the Haffi Make It School Tour, which includes a Rise Up Against Bullying campaign.

 

The initiative was started in 2019 by reggae artise Koffee and artiste manager Tammi Chang. 

 

Warren White, guidance counsellor at Retreat Primary, said he believes the school tour has had a significant impact on students based on their participation and feedback.

 

Mr. White said every effort will be made to maintain the anti-bullying campaign in conjunction with other student support programmes, especially in light of the recent incidents of suspected suicides involving children.

 

"We have a Beautify, Behave and Belong programme. We also have a mentorship programme with the St. Mary Justices of the Peace, and we also have that programme when we award our students for their efforts. And with this sort of impact, this launch... we need to see that this is a big thing."

 

When students were asked how they would react to being bullied, Jaden Saunders said he would show a bully kindness.

 

"I think that some bullies are bullies because they have a troubled past and they don't have friends. I should try to be their friend and play with them and ask them not to bully people," said the youngster.