Schools may have opened their doors across Guyana today, but former Georgetown Mayor Ubraj Narine is challenging the country to look beyond desks, buildings and classrooms and confront another threat facing children: bullying.
As thousands of students return for the new school term, Narine, in a statement issued today, is calling for a zero-tolerance approach to intimidation, humiliation and discrimination, arguing that no child should have to enter a classroom in fear.
“As schools across Guyana reopen today, let us all come together to create a safe, welcoming, and happy environment for every child.”
His warning comes against a growing body of scientific evidence showing that bullying is not harmless childhood behaviour or something children should simply be expected to endure. Research has linked repeated bullying to depression, anxiety, low self-esteem, loneliness, self-harm and suicidal thoughts, while victims are also more likely to disengage from school and experience academic difficulties.
The danger does not necessarily end when a child leaves the school compound. Cyberbullying can follow children into their homes and social lives, while research indicates that bullying can become a cycle in which children who are victimised may later become perpetrators.
Narine said the response therefore must involve the entire school community.
“Every child deserves to attend school without fear, intimidation, humiliation, or discrimination. Let us say NO to bullying and YES to kindness, respect, compassion, and inclusion.”
For schools, that means readiness cannot be measured only by whether classrooms are cleaned, buildings repaired or compounds prepared. A school that is physically ready but allows children to be routinely threatened, mocked, isolated or humiliated is not truly safe.
Narine placed particular responsibility on students to recognise when classmates are being targeted and to refuse to become silent spectators.
“To our students: look out for one another, stand up against bullying, and remember that kindness can make a lasting difference in someone’s life.”
His appeal also places teachers and school staff on the frontline, where early recognition of bullying can make a critical difference.
“To our teachers, educators, and school staff: thank you for the important role you play in shaping the lives and future of our children. Continue to guide, protect, encourage, and care for every child entrusted to you.”
Parents, Narine said, must also resist the temptation to dismiss changes in a child’s behaviour or assume that bullying is simply part of growing up.
“And to parents and guardians, let us work closely with our schools, listen to our children, and ensure that they know they are supported, valued, and never alone.”
The science increasingly supports that collective approach. Effective bullying prevention is not simply about punishing individual offenders after an incident. It requires schools to establish clear expectations, identify problems early, support victims, address perpetrators and empower students who witness bullying to safely speak out.
That makes Narine’s call particularly relevant as the Government promotes the reopening of schools as part of its wider education agenda. Physical infrastructure matters, but so does the environment children encounter once they walk through the school gates.
A child cannot be expected to concentrate, participate and thrive while living in fear of being attacked, ridiculed or ostracised.
Narine said Guyana should aspire to schools where children are not merely present, but genuinely feel protected and valued.
“Together, we can build schools where every child feels safe, respected, valued, and free to learn and grow.”
He ended with a direct appeal for the new term to be defined by something more meaningful than academic achievement alone.
“Let us make this new school term one of kindness, respect, learning, and opportunity for every child of Guyana.”
Reopening schools is only the beginning. Guyana must ensure that every child who walks through those gates is protected from fear, humiliation, intimidation and bullying.
