Mr. Speaker,
Today, I rise to recognize Anti-Bullying Week 2025 observed from Nov 10th to 14th; and emphasize our commitment to fostering safe and supportive environments for all young people across Bermuda. This week served as an important reminder for our community to come together, to reflect on the challenges faced by our youth, and renew our efforts to address and prevent bullying in all its forms.
Mr. Speaker,
As part of our ongoing commitment to creating safer and more inclusive school environments, The Office of Youth Affairs (TOYA) organized a series of activities during Anti-Bullying Week 2025. This year’s Anti-Bullying Week theme, “Power for Good,” encouraged young people to take action and speak out against bullying to promote positive change in their schools and communities.
Throughout the week, schools across Bermuda participated in interactive workshops, assemblies, and awareness campaigns designed to educate students about the different forms of bullying and empower them to stand up against such behavior. These events provided students, educators, and parents with practical tools to recognize, prevent, and address bullying, while fostering a culture of respect and kindness in our school communities.
In addition to these school-based initiatives, TOYA collaborated with local organizations to host panel discussions and distribute educational materials highlighting the impact of bullying and the importance of allyship. The inclusive programming ensured that voices from across the island were heard, and students were encouraged to share their stories, seek support, and become advocates for positive change. This collective effort demonstrates our dedication to supporting Bermuda’s youth and creating lasting change through education and community engagement.
Research indicates that bullying has substantial consequences for victims, including psychological and emotional harm, physical symptoms, as well as social and academic challenges. The effects may vary among individuals and commonly manifest as depression, reduced self-esteem, sleep disturbances, social withdrawal, substance misuse, and decreased academic performance. Additionally, bystanders who witness bullying may also be adversely affected, experiencing feelings of guilt, fear regarding non-intervention, and increased risk of mental health concerns such as anxiety.
Mr. Speaker,
In September and October, students from various schools discussed bullying during TOYA Zone-In sessions. Many described personal experiences, noting its negative effects on learning, increased absenteeism to avoid bullies, and even self-harm.
Mr. Speaker,
For a second year, TOYA is partnering with the Anti-Bullying Alliance (ABA) for Anti-Bullying Week. The ABA, founded in 2002, brings together organizations and individuals from England, Wales, and Northern Ireland to end bullying and create safer environments for children and young people. They officially organize Anti-Bullying Week each November.
Partnering with the Anti-Bullying Alliance (ABA) offers Bermuda a valuable opportunity to leverage international expertise and proven strategies in combating bullying. Through this collaboration, Bermudian youth gain access to innovative educational resources, awareness campaigns, and peer-support initiatives that have shown positive outcomes in other regions.
Mr. Speaker,
On Friday, 14th November, an Anti- Bullying children’s event was held on the Cabinet grounds which featured a range of activities for primary students representing both public and private schools. Events such as a Kindness Tree Station which emphasized the values of teamwork, respect, and friendship.
Because of this week of Anti-Bullying activities, more children’s voices have been heard, more people know where to turn for help and more individuals understand their responsibility to speak up, step in and stand alongside those who need support.
Let this not be a moment, but a movement, as true measure of our impact is what we do next. Kindness is powerful, inclusion is transformative, and silence is no longer an option. Our community is safer because we choose action.
Mr. Speaker,
I would like to thank all The Office of Youth Affairs Staff for organizing these events that engage and educate our children and youth to help end bullying in Bermuda.
Thank you, Mr. Speaker.