In what appears to be a case of bullying, involving students at a prominent High School in Hanover, there have been angry reactions from sections of the society.
In the 3 minute and 21 second-long viral video, one male student was seen being smacked and kicked repeatedly by a group of male pupils.
At least one of the aggressors was wearing a mask.
The Hanover Police has since launched an investigation into the matter.
Meanwhile, UNICEF, in partnership with the Office of the Children’s Advocate and the Private Sector Organization of Jamaica, has set up a helpline called SafeSpot to offer confidential, 24/7 support to young people facing bullying.
The SafeSpot website says the service provides “immediate, remote and confidential psychosocial support services to children and teens under 18 years old via a toll-free landline, WhatsApp, web chat, ... as well as by direct messaging on Instagram and Snapchat”
According to a 2015 UNICEF study, 60 per cent of Jamaican students report having been bullied at some point in their lives, and approximately 30 per cent of students express fear of attending school due to bullying.
What is the definition of bullying in school?
Bullying is an unwanted, aggressive behavior among school aged children that involves a real or perceived power imbalance. The behavior is repeated, or has the potential to be repeated, over time. Both kids who are bullied and who bully others may have serious, lasting problems.
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