Prevent School Bullying: A Call to Compassion
Bullying leaves scars that can last a lifetime. In schools across the world—including right here in the Cayman Islands—too many students feel unseen, unheard, and unsafe.
I’ve walked the halls of John Gray High School and witnessed the quiet pain of students trying to belong. In cafeterias and classrooms, some sit alone, heads down, hoping to disappear. Others shine brightly—creative, confident, or academically gifted—but even they are not immune to exclusion.
This isn’t about stereotypes or social groups. It’s about the silent suffering that bullying causes, and the urgent need to create school environments that are kind, inclusive, and emotionally safe.
Though I don’t yet have children of my own, I’m deeply committed to helping reduce bullying in our schools. My dream is to help build a culture where every student—regardless of class, ethnicity, or gender—is embraced for who they are. A culture where differences are celebrated, not punished
What can we do?
As a nation known for its warmth and generosity, we must ask ourselves:
• How can we reshape school policies to protect vulnerable students?
• How can educators, leaders, and community members become champions for inclusion?
• How do we teach empathy, not just academics?
I don’t claim to have all the answers—but I’m committed to learning, sharing, and advocating for change.
Community Unity and Empathy
Voices That Inspire: Jodee Blanco
Jodee Blanco, author of Please Stop Laughing at Me, is a survivor and leading voice in anti-bullying advocacy. Her advice to students is powerful:
“It’s everything that’s right about you that makes you stand out. Don’t change for anyone.”
She urges victims to stand up nonviolently, seek help, and never suffer in silence. Her work reminds us that bullying isn’t just about cruelty—it’s also about the kindness we withhold.
Her Advice for Students:
If you’re a victim of bullying, remember, there’s nothing wrong with you. It’s everything that’s right about you that makes you stand out from the crowd. Don’t change for anyone.
It is those who put you down and exclude you who need to change.
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Never ignore the bullying and walk away. You must look the bully in the eye without any emotions or fear, command him/her to stop, and then stare them down long enough for them to know you mean business.
Sometimes this works! Always defend your dignity and your pride. Remember, standing up for yourself nonviolently in the moment that abuse occurs is your basic human rights. Seeking vengeance later on is the mistake.
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Don’t suffer in silence. Confide in an adult you trust that you’re being bullied and need help.
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School doesn’t have to be your whole world even though it may sometimes seem that way. Seek an alternative social outlet like the public library, local park, or various community centers.
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If you see someone being bullied and don’t want to be a bystander, you have two options. Intercede on the victims behalf and tell the bullies to stop or devise a clever excuse to pull the victim away from the situation.
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If you think you may be a bully or an Elite Tormentor, recognize that it’s not just joking around. You may be damaging someone else’s life for a lifetime.
Stop and think about that for a moment. The next time you abuse or shun another classmate, or the worst of all, treat him/her as if their invisible.
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Always remember that bullying isn’t just the MEAN things you do, it’s all the NICE things you never do on purpose.
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Another thing, If you see a classmate is struggling to fit in or being maligned (means to have someone say unpleasant, vicious and untrue things about someone), tell a teacher or counselor. It could change that person’s life and it could save yours.
You never want what happened at the Columbine High School or Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newton to happen at your school too.
Don’t be afraid of professional help. Be honest with everyone, including yourself. You're not crazy!
Pay attention to other classmates who may be experiencing some of the same loneliness and rejection you are experiencing and reach out to them in friendship. You could end up forging bonds that will last a lifetime.
A school bus passes a makeshift memorial to the victims of the Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting as it takes students to Newtown High School December 18, 2012 in Newtown, Connecticut. Students in Newtown, excluding Sandy Hook Elementary School, return to school for the first time since last Friday’s shooting at Sandy Hook which took the live of 20 students and 6 adults. AFP PHOTO/Brendan SMIALOWSKI / AFP / BRENDAN SMIALOWSKI (Photo credit should read BRENDAN SMIALOWSKI/AFP/Getty Images)
Beyond the Surface: Types of Bullying
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Academic Bullying: When students sabotage each other’s learning—like hiding resources or spreading misinformation.
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Ethnic Bias: When students are targeted for their cultural background, or worse, shunned by their own community.
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Sibling Rivalry: Often overlooked, but it can plant the seeds of bullying behavior if compassion isn’t taught early at home.
Bullying isn’t just the mean things we do—it’s the kind things we fail to do. Every student deserves to feel safe, seen, and supported.
Let’s be the generation that turns pain into purpose and silence into solidarity.
If you or someone you know is struggling, speak up. Reach out. Be the friend who makes a difference.
Generation K: A New Landscape
Noreena Hertz describes Generation K (born 1994–2003) as shaped by technology, global crises, and social inequality.
Constant exposure to violence and online pressure has made this generation both anxious and deeply empathetic. They care about justice, equality, and mental health—but they also face unprecedented challenges.
We must guide them with wisdom, protect them with policy, and uplift them with love.
Government & Policy Resources
• Ministry of Education – Anti-Bullying Framework
This official page outlines the Cayman Islands' National Anti-Bullying (Schools) Policy, including the RID acronym (Repeated, Imbalance of power, Deliberate) and guidance for schools to create safe, inclusive environments.
• Cayman Learning Centre & School – Anti-Bullying Policy
A detailed school-level policy that includes prevention programs, complaint pathways, and contact roles like the school leader and safeguarding lead. Carrie Preston is listed as the lead contact for implementation.
Advocacy & Human Rights
• Cayman Islands Human Rights Commission – Bullying Prevention Guide
A powerful guide for students, parents, and educators that connects bullying to human rights violations and offers strategies for prevention and support.
📞 Suggested Contacts
If you're looking to connect directly with support:
• School Counselors: Reach out to your local school’s administrative office (e.g., John Gray High School or Clifton Hunter High School) and ask for the designated counselor or safeguarding lead.
• Department of Education Services (DES): They oversee school operations and can guide you to the right contacts for student welfare and bullying concerns.
• Family Resource Centre (FRC): Offers youth programs and emotional support services. They often collaborate with schools on anti-bullying workshops and campaigns.