In an effort to raise awareness and promote positive behaviour, the Caribbean Colour Splash Committee hosted its 11th biannual Secondary Schools Anti-Bullying Conference at the Southern Academy for the Performing Arts (SAPA) on Wednesday.
Students from various schools in South Trinidad participated in the conference, where they were taught skills in identifying and handling instances of bullying, both for themselves and others.
According to Family Therapist and Emotional Intelligence Consultant Jenna Julien, teaching young people the importance of developing resilience in the face of adversity is essential. She said bullying continues to be an important topic, especially since the results can end fatally.
“This is a much-needed conversation not just for students, for adults to know how to support, how to recognise, and how to teach our children skills to be more empathetic and to be more self-aware. We need more emotional intelligence conversations with our young ones.”
Social media influencer Keevan Lewis said the saying “sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me” is true, but there are several instances where words can and do hurt.
He encouraged young people who may be victims of bullying not to keep their pain to themselves.
“I think it’s important for us to understand the emotions of the child, the feelings of the child. Meditation, different ways in which to work with conflict resolution, etcetera. So, I think it’s critical that we get to the root or the spirit of the human being. As opposed to seeing what the behaviours are.”
Caribbean Colour Splash Committee representative Kamaya Mc Phie said the organisation focuses on positivity and empowerment, and the Anti-Bullying Conference gives the right tools to students to make the best decisions. She encouraged the students to adopt positivity in their daily lives.
“Be kind, it doesn’t matter who it is. Whether poor or rich, everyone deserves fair treatment.”
Ms Julien said she hoped she was able to inspire change, reminding all young people to treat each other with respect.
“I want you to know that your peers need you, and I want you to know that your voice is powerful. I want you to know that you play a part in ending bullying. If you see someone being bullied, please speak up. Your voice matters. You are very powerful. Even if you are a bystander, I encourage you to be an upstander and to make a difference by speaking up and breaking the cycle of bullying.”