Education Minister Sonia Parag has urged teachers, parents and school administrators to work together to prevent bullying, curb violence and ensure that children feel safe in their learning environments.
In a video message shared on the Ministry of Education’s Facebook page on Sunday, Parag emphasised that protecting students from harmful behaviour requires stronger supervision, greater parental involvement and a firm response to reported incidents.
Addressing concerns about bullying and injuries involving schoolchildren, the minister said every case must be investigated thoroughly and treated with the seriousness it deserves.
She highlighted the government’s anti-bullying and anti-violence campaign, launched in November 2025, which involved consultations across Guyana’s 10 administrative regions. The exercise generated thousands of recommendations from stakeholders to strengthen the country’s approach to preventing and addressing school violence.
A draft report has since been prepared to inform improvements to existing policies and standard operating procedures for dealing with bullying and violence.
Parag also pointed to the introduction of moral and civic education from nursery through Grade Nine, aimed at instilling values such as kindness, compassion and respect among students.
The minister called on teachers to remain alert throughout the school day, including during lessons, breaks and dismissal, when incidents may occur. She also stressed that parents have an important role in reinforcing positive behaviour, maintaining open communication with their children and encouraging them to report problems without fear.
“No child should feel unsafe going to school. No child should be afraid to go to school, because that child will not be able to learn,” Parag stated.
The minister further welcomed President Dr Mohamed Irfaan Ali’s announcement on Saturday regarding restrictions on the importation, sale and use of vaping products, citing concerns about their potential effects on young people.
She warned that vaping could have consequences beyond physical health, including effects on behaviour.
The Education Ministry will continue reviewing school policies and engaging head teachers and Parent Teacher Associations (PTAs) to improve supervision, strengthen accountability and ensure that concerns about student safety are addressed effectively.