May is denoted as child month and as such it is important that we use this time to discuss pivotal issues that affect the children in Jamaica. Now, we are not saying that we shouldn’t care about these topics throughout the year, but this month is important for highlighting them. Children are often ignored, chastised and their voices are often unheard when they speak of the issues that affect their lives.

Too many of our children are being abused both physically and verbally and not given the opportunity to grow and develop into the promising young minds that they truly are. The irony comes when the same children act out and behave badly because of these issues and they are labelled as rude or ‘bad breed’.

Children live what they learn. If you teach a child to behave badly, what do you expect him/her to do but behave badly? If you rob them of their childhood, then why do you curse them for acting ‘grown up’ or ‘big’?

Since this is an important issue, what is it that we are supposed to do? As TEENs, we are seen as the next generation and the future leaders of our world. We need to step up to the plate and set the example for our younger brothers and sisters in Jamaica.

Teach them right from wrong and help in the efforts to protect them from harm’s way. And don’t be afraid to stand up for their rights and talk to an adult (in a respectful tone of voice) or report to higher authority when you see something inappropriate being done to a child. It may seem like it’s a lot to ask for, but the change needs to start from early to keep them safe. Be the change you wish to see.