Aggression is a red flag! - Parents urged to address signs of distress in children before it’s too late

Detective Inspector Pilmar Powell is urging parents to closely monitor their children's behaviour and seek help as soon as they notice any signs of distress, before the situation worsens.

Powell, who is attached to the St Catherine South Police Division, made the appeal during a health and wellness symposium at Waterford Primary School where she addressed parents and guardians. She also shared her concerns with THE STAR about the increasing levels of bullying in schools across the island.

" We have to look at bullying from within the home. Our children are being bullied verbally, physically and being abused sexually. Sometimes the person that is being abused becomes the abuser. So you will see this being played out when they come to school or when they are amongst their peers," Powell said.

The United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF), in a 2018 report, said bullying is a major problem in Jamaican schools. It relied on data collected in 2015 which indicates that six in 10 students say they have been bullied at some point in their lives. Almost 30 per cent of students surveyed fear going to school because of bullying, and nine in 10 students have seen a child being bullied at school.

Powell reasoned that access to and use of social media platforms by children may be contributing to maladaptive behaviours among school-age children.

"Sometimes the children see what they should not on social media. So we are saying to parents to observe what is happening with your children. Look at the behavioural change of your child or children and seek the required help immediately," the cop said.

She added: "Do not wait until it is fester because sometimes those who are bullied will have a change in their behaviour and become very aggressive and, once you see your usually calm child with this type of behaviour, then it is supposed to set up a red flag," Powell added.

November is observed as National Parent Month in Jamaica, with this year's theme being 'Surf Beyond the Surface'. Principal of Waterford Primary Nicola Francis-Grizelle said she launched activities for parents earlier this month, including the symposium. This, she said, allows parent and guardians to express themselves freely and get answers.

"For the entire month of November, the aim is to create an avenue where parents can speak openly. It is also for the teachers, too, because some of us are stressed. These parents have questions that they need answers for and that is why we have the police, doctors and psychologists on board, because sometimes it takes funding to do so," Francis-Grizelle said.

At the start of the school year in September, the Child Protection and Family Services Agency (CPFSA) is urging students across Jamaica to put an end to bullying.

"The effects of bullying can be immediate and devastating, and children who are bullied often experience anxiety, depression, and a significant drop in self-esteem. These effects can linger, leading to long-term difficulties in personal relationships, academic performance, and even future employment prospects," said Laurette Adams-Thomas, CEO of the CPFSA.