CHARITY Secondary School on the Essequibo Coast on Tuesday hosted the first day of a Regional Anti-Bullying Consultation, as the Ministry of Education in Guyana advances its nationwide effort to strengthen anti-bullying and anti-violence policies across Guyana.

The consultation was led by Dr Ritesh Tularam and was supported by Regional Education Officer Shondelle Hercules, along with officers of the Department of Education.

The forum brought together teachers, students, parents and other key community stakeholders for open and structured discussions on the realities of bullying within schools.

Participants were encouraged to share personal experiences, identify gaps in existing systems, and propose practical recommendations to improve prevention-and-response mechanisms.

The session formed part of a broader series of regional engagements aimed at ensuring that national policies are shaped by on-the-ground perspectives and the lived experiences of school communities.

Addressing the gathering, Dr Tularam underscored the importance of collaboration in tackling bullying. He noted that the ministry’s approach is centred on listening and learning from stakeholders to create safer and more supportive learning environments.

“We are here to listen, to learn from you, and to work together to address bullying in our schools. Creating safer, more supportive school environments requires all of us,” he stated.

Attendees were also reminded that the ministry’s Anti-Bullying Reporting System (ABRS) remains active, providing a confidential and accessible channel for reporting incidents. The system is intended to strengthen accountability while safeguarding students’ well-being.

The Department of Education reaffirmed its commitment to protecting children and fostering positive school climates, noting that consultations such as these are critical in building a comprehensive and responsive national anti-bullying framework.