Education Minister Dr Michael Dowlath is urging students to take a stand against bullying, vaping, crime and negative social pressures, saying that education and discipline are critical to securing their future.
Speaking at Thursday’s National Youth Forum, “Our Voice, Our Future”, he urged them to become positive influences among their peers.
He noted that a 2024 Ministry of Education climate survey identified bullying and vaping among the most significant challenges facing students.
“I want you to stand up and speak out against bullying in schools. I want you to stand up and speak out against vaping. You should say to your friend: ‘You don’t have to do this. You don’t have to become a bully. You don’t have to vape for someone to pay attention to you.'”
Also addressing the forum, Minister of Homeland Security Roger Alexander warned young people against embracing criminal lifestyles, cautioning that such choices often lead to imprisonment or death.
“If you see a young man going towards a life of crime and gang warfare, explain to him: You do that today, there is no guarantee tomorrow for your future.”
Minister Alexander also signalled a tougher approach to tackling child pornography, stressing the need to protect children from exploitation and online abuse.
“I’m supposed to collect my devices next week where I will know every one of you in here or out there who is looking at children’s porn and exciting yourself.”
Meanwhile, Minister of the People, Social Development and Family Services Vandana Mohit announced a National Child Poverty Reduction Strategy being developed in collaboration with UNICEF.
She said the initiative seeks to tackle the realities faced by vulnerable children and families while improving opportunities and outcomes for future generations.
“This work goes to the heart of the future we are discussing today. Behind those words, child poverty is a child trying to concentrate while hungry, a parent wondering how to stretch what little remains, a young person quietly stepping away from an opportunity because the family cannot afford the cost.”
Minister Mohit said the forum is designed to ensure young people, particularly the most vulnerable, have a voice in shaping policies that affect their lives and future opportunities.