KINGSTON, Jamaica — The Child Protection and Family Services Agency (CPFSA) is reporting that the main suspect of the latest child bullying incident caught on video has been arrested and charged.

The video circulated on social media on Thursday showed a male Hopewell High School student being physically assaulted by other boys in a similar uniform.

According to the CPFSA, the school was quickly identified by its uniform and first responders dispatched on Thursday.

“We identified that the boys in the video were from Hopewell High School therefore our first responders visited the school yesterday, Thursday, November 28. We spoke with the 15-year-old student who was assaulted, as well as his father and the CPFSA will be providing counselling through our Children and Family Support Unit,” CPFSA Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Laurette Adams-Thomas shared.

The agency said it is in dialogue with the school and will be providing psychological support to the student.

It noted, however, that the boy was allegedly beaten on two occasions earlier this week by the group of students who are believed to be members of a gang.

The agency said the matter was reported to the police and the 15-year-old is to receive medical attention on Friday

The main suspect who has since been arrested and charged will appear before the court on Thursday.

“The video was quite perturbing to watch. The behaviour of the boys is simply heartless. We continue to see serious levels of aggression in these bullying cases which indicate that something is fundamentally wrong with our exposure to violence as a society. According to the 2023 Jamaica Violence Against Children (VAC) survey, more than three out of every four children and youth experienced violence in their lifetime and more than half (53 per cent) of children and youth who experience physical violence had their first incident at ages 12-17 years. Also, one in three males experience childhood physical violence in Jamaica. In relation to physical violence against males (children and youth ages 13-24), 44 per cent of the perpetrators are usually their peers,” Adams-Thomas commented.

While the CPFSA continues to work with the family and students, the CEO noted violence is preventable. She is calling on parents to be more assertive in taking steps to safeguard and support our children.

“As a nation, we can all help in the fight against bullying and violence (in all its forms) against our children. Parents, you need to maintain an open and active communication system with your child/ren so that they feel comfortable to come and speak with you about what is happening to them either at school or in their communities. Also, pay attention to your children so that you are able to quickly identify possible signs of bullying. Is your child anxious about going to school? Does he/she have unexplained physical marks or bruising? Is he/she losing money or has no friends? Has academic performance declined?”

“Additionally if you get complaints about your child bullying others, or you notice aggression in your child’s behaviour towards others, take it seriously and get help for your child early. Most importantly, we need to be good role models to our children. Remember, violence begets violence,” Adams-Thomas continued.

The CEO is once again reminding and encouraging individuals to report bullying, as well as all forms of child abuse using the 24-hour child abuse reporting hotline 211. Child abuse reports may also be made through WhatsApp/text at 876-878-2882, e-mail report@childprotection.gov.jm or by visiting any CPFSA parish office, or through our social media pages (Instagram, Facebook, Twitter) @cpfsajm.

It is the latest in a number of bullying incidents involving school children caught on video.

Earlier this week several schoolboys were charged following the circulation of a video depicting the violent sexual assault of a schoolgirl.