Mom of bullied teen seeking transfer

The frustrated mother says she has no choice but to seek a transfer for her 13-year-old daughter who is being harassed by bullies at a Corporate Area school.

The mother and child previously told THE STAR that the bullying started last year while the student was in first form but things have worsened as students threatened to rearrange her daughter's face and step in her throat. After THE STAR contacted the school, the mother was invited to a meeting last Monday to discuss reports. However, she claimed that rather than discuss a way forward, the head of the school's administration suggested that her daughter was not being bullied.

"She was saying maybe is not really bullying, it's just like messing or they just troubling, wondering, playing around," the mother said. A member of the school's administration said that the school investigates every report of bullying. However, the mother said that prior to last week's meeting, her daughter complained about the bullying to teachers and the vice-principal, but nothing was done. She added that she witnessed multiple students bullying her daughter in the presence of the vice-principal, but none were reprimanded.

"If they can behave like that in front of them, the officials, what are they gonna do when she's alone with them?" she questioned. The mother said that the principal suggested that she transfer her daughter and was informed that the school can only act if she makes a written report. However, the mother said she does not believe a written report will make a difference based on the response to the verbal ones. Since last Monday, her daughter has not returned to school.

"I would rather she lose a couple months in the school or so than to have her physically damaged," she said, adding that she is fearful her daughter may retaliate.

"It would affect her because even if you retaliate to defend yourself, then you're going to have to answer."

The child previously told THE STAR that the bullying has pushed her to consider ending her life. She also said that she didn't want to transfer and only wanted to resolve the situation.

"I'm a little bit depressed because I'm wondering if I did something wrong, because instead of them getting punished, I feel like I'm the one getting punished," she said.

Education minister Fayval Williams said that the ministry takes matters of bullying seriously and has been trying to help students to identify it, ensure that they do not accept it, and report it, with the bullying student brought to book for that action. She added that when a student informs a school that bullying is affecting them mentally, and prompting suicidal thoughts, the school should seek or provide counselling for the student.

"Immediately the school should be seeking guidance counselling for her immediately, no waiting at all, and if they can't handle it at the school's level with the professionals they have there, we have a slate of professionals external," Williams said.

Dr Kasan Troupe, permanent secretary in the ministry, praised the student for not retaliating and choosing to report the matter, adding that the ministry is willing and able to lend support if her mother makes a formal written report. Troupe said that if a transfer is what is best for the child, then the ministry will provide the support needed.