KINGSTON, Jamaica — The National Parenting Support Commission (NPSC) is urging parents and caregivers to play a more active role in tackling bullying among children as Jamaica marks National Parent Month 2026 under the theme, “Parents Tek a Stand: Raise Kindness, Stop Bullying”.

Observed throughout November, Parent Month will focus on the importance of positive parenting, open communication and fostering kindness and respect to help protect children from bullying, both in schools and online.

The call comes amid growing concerns about bullying and cyberbullying, highlighted in Jamaica’s 2026 Global School-Based Student Health Survey (GSHS).

According to the survey, 27 per cent of students reported experiencing bullying, while 15 per cent said they had been victims of cyberbullying in the preceding year. Although the figures reflect a decline from the 40.2 per cent of students who reported being bullied in 2016, the NPSC said more needs to be done to safeguard children.

The survey also raised concerns about parent-child relationships, revealing that only 25.9 per cent of students felt understood by their parents, while just 39 per cent reported having parental rules governing their use of social media.

In a release on Sunday, Acting Chief Executive Officer of the NPSC, Anna-Kay Magnus Watson, said the findings reinforce the need for parents to be more intentional about building strong relationships with their children and addressing harmful behaviours.

“Bullying prevention cannot begin and end at the school gate. It begins in our homes, through the conversations we have, the values we demonstrate and the behaviours we choose to correct,” she said.

“As parents, we cannot afford to dismiss bullying as a normal part of growing up or assume that our children will always tell us when something is wrong. We must create the kind of relationships where they feel safe enough to speak, confident that we will listen and assured that we will act,” she continued.

Magnus Watson said this year’s observance is intended to move parents beyond simply recognising bullying to taking practical steps to prevent and address it.

“This Parent Month, we are challenging every parent to move beyond awareness and take a stand through meaningful, everyday action,” she said.

The commission stressed that preventing bullying requires parents not only to support children who are victims, but also to correct bullying behaviour, encourage children who witness incidents to seek help and promote empathy, accountability and respect at home.

Throughout November, the NPSC will undertake parenting education initiatives, public engagement activities and digital campaigns aimed at helping parents identify warning signs of bullying, address cyberbullying, improve communication with their children and work more closely with schools.

Magnus Watson also encouraged parents to make time for meaningful conversations with their children, despite the demands of work and other responsibilities.

“Sometimes the most important intervention begins with a simple question: ‘How are things really going at school?’ But we must be prepared to listen to the answer, even when it is uncomfortable.

“Whether our child is being bullied, bullying someone else or witnessing it happen, we have a responsibility to respond. Raising kind children requires us to demonstrate kindness, teach accountability and reinforce respect every single day,” she said.

As part of the observance, parents are being encouraged to take a greater interest in their children’s school experiences, friendships and online activities, establish clear expectations for appropriate behaviour and maintain regular communication with teachers and guidance counsellors.

The NPSC is also urging parents to take reports of bullying seriously, seek assistance where necessary and ensure concerns are properly addressed.

While acknowledging that tackling bullying requires a collective effort involving families, schools and communities, the commission maintained that parents have a critical responsibility to instil the values and behaviours that help create safer environments for children.

Parents and caregivers seeking support or information on Parent Month activities may contact the NPSC at (876) 967-7977, visit www.npsc.gov.jm or follow @npscjamaica on social media.

Graduates of the National Parenting Support Commission’s Men Who Mentor Programme celebrate the successful completion of their training at Celebration Church in Portmore, St Catherine. The programme equips men with practical parenting knowledge, mentorship skills and tools to become more present, engaged and supportive fathers and mentors.