Permissive culture of bullying

Sep 26, 2025 Letters

Dear Editor,

Bullying is the intentional act to belittle and dehumanise an individual. Bullying takes on various forms from cyber bullying to bullying in schools. Bullying inflicts deep-seated emotional and psychological harm that can last a lifetime resulting in low self-esteem, decreased academic performance and social isolation. Sadly, there is a permissive culture of bullying where bullying behaviours are tolerated, normalised and even rewarded. As a result, many turn a blind eye to this crippling and debilitating social issue.

The historical and systemic inequalities in the education system lend themselves to anxiety and depression for stakeholders. Therefore, it should come as no surprises that there is an uptick in deaths by suicide among Jamaican students. Many students feel unsupported and overwhelmed. In 2022, 64 suicides were recorded, moving up from 51 in 2021. Males continue to outnumber females regarding suicides. We oftentimes discount the psychological well being of our students. According to the World Health Organisation, one in seven adolescents globally experiences a mental disorder, with anxiety, depression and behavioural challenges being most common. Sadly, many of these mental health challenges frequently become barriers to the teaching and learning process. Over time, the person being bullied can develop mental health issues. Stigma and discrimination surrounding mental health issues have historical and cultural groundings.

Around 130 million, or one-in-three children worldwide, experience some form of bullying.

According to the United Nations the term “bullying” covers physical, psychological and sexual violence (understood in this context to mean sex-related mockery and gender-based discrimination), very little data is available on the psychological occurrence of it, and countries must do more to gain a better understanding of this issue. UN Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) report shows that girls and boys are equally affected overall by bullying, but that boys are more likely to suffer from physical violence. The World Health Organisation (WHO) defines mental health as “a state of mental well-being that enables people to cope with the stresses of life, realise their abilities, learn well and work well, and contribute to their community. It exists on a continuum from optimal functioning to severe distress and is experienced differently by each person.

It is influenced by a combination of individual, social, and structural factors. Risks such as genetics, substance use, poverty, violence, and inequality can undermine well-being, especially during sensitive stages like childhood. Unfortunately, our schools are oftentimes the sites of conflicts and discord given the diverse backgrounds based on values and beliefs. This is the reality for so many students and therefore needs urgent attention. In many instances, there are not enough guidance counsellors or even trusted individuals for students to reach out to. Those students who are deemed as being different are usually targeted by bullies. Boys who are sensitive and show their emotions are often targeted. Suicide in Jamaica has reached a point where it is beyond a crisis and has now entered the realm of an epidemic. Additionally, there is oftentimes a dominant strand of toxic masculinity that is pervasive in many schools. There is direct link between toxic masculinity and mental health.

Toxic masculinity is the way men are culturally trained and socially pressured to behave. Toxic Masculinity counters mental and physical health treatment even when injured or emotionally struggling. Suppressing mental health issues, such as depression, trauma, and anxiety can worsen symptoms, and precipitate isolation from family and friends, and may eventually lead to suicide. A national dialogue is needed. Importantly, bullying also takes place within the education system from some authority figures who wield power and influence, which they use to inflict both tangible and intangible harm to those they view as less worthy.

Social Justice

Where there is an absence of social justice bullying takes center stage. Social justice is a communal effort dedicated to creating and sustaining a fair and equal society in which each person and all groups are valued and affirmed. It encompasses efforts to end systemic violence and racism and all systems that devalue the dignity and humanity of any person. It recognises that the legacies of past injustices remain all around us. It promotes efforts to empower individual and communal action in support of restorative justice and the full implementation of human and civil rights.

Changing the narrative surrounding suicide is vital in fostering a culture of empathy and compassion for those who are struggling with their mental health. In a culture that is quick to assign labels and judge, changing the narrative means listening and guiding individuals where possible towards help. Our educational institutions must have clear policy guidelines about bullying as bullying is frequently a police matter. Suicide prevention should be a national priority. Seeking mental health support is a sign of strength and resilience than weakness especially as more and more families are being negatively impacted by suicide. The Ministry of Health has a suicide helpline (888-639-5433) where mental health support is available.

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