Cyber bullies hurting Jamaica's children

Nadine Wilson-Harris, Staff Reporter

As Jamaica joins the rest of the world to commemorate International Children Day, Jamaica's Youth Ambassador Charles Young is concerned that a number of the nation's children are being victimised online. 

Young is one of scores of participants now taking part in a "Youth Talk" event being hosted by UNICEF in collaboration with the Ashe Company at The Jamaica Pegasus Hotel in New Kingston.

"Cyber bullying is a big thing in schools. Cyber bullying usually comes from the social environment at the school or probably what happens at home," Young told The Gleaner.

He argued that the perpetrators of this form of abuse often do not consider the consequences, but sometimes it can lead to victims taking drastic measures such as committing suicide.

"It is not something that we consider as important in Jamaica," declared Young.

He said that students are being bullied online through social media platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.

Through the "Youth Talk" event students are being given an opportunity to speak up about violence in schools. 

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