Cyber-bullying a growing concern

“There is bullying taking place and we are very concerned about the level of cyber-bullying taking place,” Gary Ribeiro, principal of Presentation College Chaguanas told Parliament’s Joint Select Committee on Social Services and Public Administration.

Danielle Seunarine, a student of Naparima Girls High School, who also appeared before the committee, said the Ministry of Education’s Code of Conduct, while well-structured, does not adequately address cyber issues.

“Our battlefield has moved from the school ground to the online world,” the student said. She said flaming (online defamation); cyber- bullying; cyber-stalking and cat-fishing occur. She agreed with a suggestion by committee chairman Independent Senator Dhanayshar Mahabir who called for laws on the issue. The Government’s legislative agenda – released last Friday — states the Cabinet plans to bring a cyber crime bill to Parliament before 2017.

Ribeiro said over a six-year period, nine suspensions were issued at Presentation College Chaguanas.

On the other hand, Sharlene Hicks-Raeburn, principal of Barataria South Secondary, told the committee her school issues in excess of 100 suspensions per month. Its total population is about 850. But not even the total student population could be stated with certainty.

“It’s difficult to pin down the number at times,” she said, citing “drop-outs” and “drop-ins”. Lance Mottley, principal at the Carenage Boys Government Primary, said some students “continue to terrorise”.

He said guidance officers are in the school once per term. Even when Police Youth Clubs get involved in schools, there are problems.

“The Police Youth Club has actually put out children,” he said.

The committee heard many recommendations.

These included calls for: work holidays to allow parents to attend school meetings; the introduction of suspension centres; bully boot camps; awareness campaigns; annual conferences for principals; smaller classes; removing automatic student promotion; less dependence on suspension and life skills.