Letter of the Day | When the bully wears a title

THE EDITOR, Madam:

The Gleaner’s ‘Bully buster’ story highlighted the Ministry of Education’s commendable effort to confront student bullying through its BullyProofJA campaign. This initiative, supported by major education partners, sends a strong message that no child should ever endure bullying in any form. What happens, though, when the bully is your principal, your head of department, or your supervisor?

Bullying in schools does not only occur among students. It can take root quietly in staff meetings, performance reviews, and corridors of authority, where teachers face ridicule, exclusion, and verbal aggression from those meant to guide them. Some principals and middle managers misuse their positions to intimidate or humiliate staff, creating cultures of fear that stifle creativity and weaken morale. Teachers who endure this kind of leadership often experience stress, burnout, and loss of confidence, with many choosing to transfer or resign rather than speak out.

Reporting such behaviour is rarely simple. When the accused holds power, complaints are often minimised or dismissed. The stigma attached to challenging authority, combined with weak grievance procedures, keeps many teachers silent. Some worry about being labelled troublesome or fear retaliation in subtle ways, from unfavourable evaluations to blocked opportunities for promotion. Remaining quiet becomes the safer choice, even when it comes at the cost of professional dignity.

The ministry’s anti-bullying campaign is a step in the right direction, but its focus must go beyond students. Safe schools require safe workplaces. Teachers deserve the same protection and respect we expect them to model for students. An authentic culture of care must include clear policies for reporting leadership bullying, independent investigations, and assurance that teachers can speak freely without fear.

If we are serious about creating safe schools, then safety must extend to every classroom and every office. Schools can never be safe places when the bully wears a title.

SHANA-GAE REID