SLF Calls for Inclusive, Evidence-based Anti-bullying Policies that Protect All Students

MEDIA RELEASE

For Immediate Release – April 11th, 2025

CONTACT – Jeremy Steffan Edwards, Executive Director

The Silver Lining Foundation (SLF) welcomes the renewed national focus on bullying in schools, especially in light of recent policy proposals from political parties ahead of the upcoming general elections.

As an organisation working for over a decade to prevent bullying, violence, and discrimination in schools – particularly against LGBTQIA+ youth – SLF urges policymakers to ensure that any anti-bullying strategy is grounded in evidence, compassion, and inclusion.

Bullying is More Than a Discipline Issue – It is a Safety Issue

Bullying in schools is not a new problem. It is one of the most widespread forms of violence affecting young people, especially students who are already vulnerable due to their sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, or socio-economic status.

SLF’s own National School Climate Studies (2016, 2019) found that:

• 30% of students reported physical bullying (hitting, pushing).
  
• LGBTQIA+ students faced higher rates of bullying across all categories.
  
• Nearly 1 in 3 students experienced coercion into unwanted sexual acts or pressure to send explicit content.
  
• 15% of students reported experiences of rape or sexual assault, often going unreported due to stigma and fear.
  

These findings show that bullying and violence in schools are deeply connected and cannot be solved through surveillance, punishment, or discipline alone.

What Should Real Solutions Look Like?

“Effective anti-bullying strategies are not about more cameras or harsher punishments. They are about creating a culture of safety, respect, and early intervention, especially for students who are most at risk of harm or exclusion,” said Jeremy Edwards, Executive Director of SLF. “Policies must be proactive, data-driven, and intersectional or they risk leaving our most vulnerable children behind.”

SLF calls on the Ministry of Education and all political parties to commit to:

1. Develop a National Anti-Bullying Policy that Explicitly Protects All Students

This policy must:

• Define bullying clearly – including physical, verbal, cyber, sexual harassment, and discrimination based on gender identity, sexual orientation, disability, and socio-economic status.
• Include clear reporting channels for students and teachers that are safe, confidential, and supportive, especially for LGBTQIA+ students who often fear coming forward.
• Guarantee non-retaliation protections for students who report bullying.

2. Shift from Punishment to Prevention & Restorative Justice

Schools should be supported to implement:

• Restorative justice practices – such as facilitated dialogue, peer mediation, and conflict resolution circles – that hold students accountable while giving them tools to repair harm and rebuild relationships.
• Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) curricula – teaching students self-awareness, empathy, emotional regulation, respect for difference, and skills for peaceful conflict resolution.
• Clear protocols for early intervention with at-risk students – identifying those who may be perpetrators and victims of bullying.

3. Mandatory, Ongoing Training for Teachers, Guidance Officers, and Parents

All adults in the school system must be trained to:

• Recognise early signs of bullying, trauma, and vulnerability.
• Apply trauma-informed, child-sensitive intervention techniques.
• Understand specific vulnerabilities of LGBTQIA+ students and how to provide affirming support.
• Engage parents as partners – not just disciplinarians – in addressing bullying and shaping positive student behaviour.

4. Strengthen Student Support Systems in Schools

Every school should have:

• Access to qualified guidance counsellors trained in bullying prevention, trauma response, and LGBTQIA+ affirming care.
• Clear referral pathways for students needing mental health, social, or financial support, including collaboration with external NGOs like SLF.
• Peer mentorship programs that foster student leadership, inclusion, and positive role-modelling.

5. Use Data to Drive Policy & Measure Impact

Policies must be informed by national data and ongoing research on bullying and school violence – including:

• Regular national surveys on school climate and bullying, disaggregated by gender, sexuality, and other key demographics.
• Transparent reporting of bullying incidents in schools with annual public updates.
• Integration of civil society research, like SLF’s 2016 and 2019 National School Climate Surveys, to inform programme design and implementation.

6. Foster Safer, Inclusive School Cultures

School culture is shaped every day by what is said, tolerated, and celebrated. Schools must:

• Adopt explicit policies that value diversity and respect for all students.
• Partner with civil society to provide age-appropriate workshops on bullying, diversity, consent, and respect.
• Create safe spaces for students to express themselves, such as student-led inclusion clubs or peer support groups.

SLF remains committed to supporting the Ministry of Education, schools, and civil society partners in creating classrooms where every child – regardless of who they are or how they identify – can feel safe, respected, and free from harm.

Violence has no place in our schools. Inclusion must be at the heart of any solution.

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About SLF

The Silver Lining Foundation (SLF) is a non-profit organisation registered in Trinidad and Tobago that works towards preventing bullying, suicide, and discrimination related to sexual orientation, gender identity, and gender expression (SOGIE) issues. SLF aims to empower youth, create safer classrooms and strengthen family relationships through a three-pronged approach of support, education, and advocacy, enabling youth to lead more fulfilling, sustainable, and functional lives.

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