Bullying and violence in schools, as well as violence against women and children in the wider society, will be debated at Thursday’s plenary sitting of the Tobago House of Assembly.

A motion on the issues will be presented at the sitting by Secretary of Education, Youth Affairs and Sport (DEYAS), Assemblyman Huey Cadette, the representative for the Canaan/Bon Accord district.

The motion says incidents of bullying and violence in schools have reached unacceptable proportions. It notes that varied and complex factors involving both victims and perpetrators contribute to such behaviour.

It says that the incidents of bullying and violence in schools are indicative of the environment in the wider society, where many women and children are under continuous threat. The motion also stresses the Tobago House of Assembly’s (THA) responsibility to lead the struggle and to collaborate with other agencies, groups, institutions and individuals to address the challenges and improve the environment on the island.

The motion also calls on the House to support efforts by the Assembly, and other groups, institutions and individuals seeking to treat with bullying and violence in schools, and to curb violence against women and children.