IT is with a profound sense of grief that I address the tragic loss of 15-year-old Jayden Lalchan, a student of St Stephen’s College in Princes Town, who allegedly took his own life after enduring persistent bullying. This devastating incident has brought into sharp focus the urgent need for robust mental health support systems within our schools.

As the Mental Health Focal Point for T&T, I am committed to advocating for the well-being of all students and ensuring that our educational institutions are places of safety, personal growth, and emotional support. Jayden’s passing is a painful reminder that we must do more to protect our children from the emotional and psychological tolls of bullying and other mental health challenges.

In response to this heartbreaking event, I am humbly calling on the Ministry of Education to take immediate action by introducing mandatory Psychological First Aid (PFA) training for all teachers, guidance counsellors and school staff.

PFA is a vital, evidence-based approach that equips individuals with the skills to offer immediate emotional support to students in crisis. This intervention could have life-saving consequences for a young person suffering from bullying, trauma, or personal struggles.

However, while mandatory PFA is essential, it is only one component of a more comprehensive solution. I urge the ministry to consider the launch of an anti-bullying campaign and education programme.

Schools should implement comprehensive anti-bullying campaigns that engage students, teachers and parents in promoting a culture of empathy, inclusivity, and respect.

Such campaigns would reduce the stigma surrounding mental health issues, encouraging students to speak up when they are struggling with bullying or emotional difficulties.

The mental well-being of our nation’s youth must be a top priority. These proposed interventions, in memory of Jayden Lalchan and all students who suffer in silence, will help foster a school environment where no child feels isolated or unheard. We owe it to them to ensure our schools are not just institutions of academic learning but sanctuaries of emotional safety and support.

I urge the Ministry of Education to take decisive action, implementing these recommendations to prevent future tragedies and build a healthier, more compassionate future for our children.

Daniel Lutchman Caribbean Youth Mental Health Focal Point, T&T; Caribbean child rights advocate; youth leader for 17 Caribbean countries; National Youth Parliamentarian of T&T