Even as the focus over the past few weeks has been on the national budget and the political debates surrounding it, there is an issue that may have gone unnoticed—or perhaps not given the attention it would have gotten if not for the drama unfolding in the House of Assembly.
While not a new issue, its urgency was underscored by Shawn Clarke, CEO of Supreme Counselling for Personal Development, during a press conference on Monday.
He reminded the country of an escalating youth crisis—an issue that affects not just specific communities but the nation as a whole. The crisis, which manifests in rising behavioural challenges, mental health struggles, and family dysfunction, is now reaching a tipping point, and its long-term consequences threaten the very fabric of Barbadian society.
Clarke’s warning was clear: the crisis is no longer confined to specific communities; it has become a national emergency. His concerns are backed by troubling statistics. Supreme Counselling has seen a sharp rise in calls from parents—some as young as six or seven—seeking help for their children. This is a warning sign that we can no longer ignore. Immediate action is needed from policymakers, educators, parents, and the wider community.
But Clarke’s call isn’t just for the government or NGOs to handle alone. While organisations like Supreme Counselling are doing valuable work, they’re stretched thin. As demand increases, so do the financial and resource constraints on these organisations.
A comprehensive national strategy is required—one that brings together government, educators, mental health professionals, businesses, and communities in a concerted effort to find long-term solutions.
The answers must include greater investment in youth intervention programmes.
The Ministries of Education and Youth must focus more resources on early childhood programmes, especially in primary schools. Research has shown that identifying and addressing behavioural or mental health issues at an early age significantly reduces the need for more extensive interventions later in life. If we are serious about combating the escalating crisis, the education system must be at the forefront in identifying at-risk children and providing them with the support they need before issues worsen.
Stronger mental health support in schools is also crucial. Every school in Barbados should have trained counsellors who can identify students who may be struggling with mental health issues or behavioural problems. Teachers also need more training to spot the signs of distress in their students.
While many may argue that too much burden is placed on schools and the education system, the reality is that schools are where our young people spend most of their time and where issues are sometimes spotted first. Early intervention is key to preventing problems from escalating and ensuring that children are supported in a timely and effective manner.
But it’s not just up to the government. We are not expecting the burden to be shouldered by an already strained public purse. The business community has a significant role to play in addressing this crisis, though the connection may not be immediately obvious to some. Young people are the future workforce. Addressing the challenges early ensures that they grow up to be healthy, well-adjusted, and productive members of society. A workforce that is struggling with mental health or behavioural issues is less productive and less innovative, which directly affects a business’ performance.
Big businesses, particularly those within the tourism sector, should consider making structured contributions to programmes like those offered by Supreme Counselling. They can provide both financial and logistical support, ensuring that the work of these organisations continues without interruption. Such partnerships will ensure that resources are available to continue helping young people, especially when government funding may be limited.
Equally important is the need for parental support and education. Many of the behavioural issues observed in youth stem from dysfunctional or unstable home environments. Providing parents with the tools to create stable, nurturing environments for their children is a crucial part of the solution. More community-based parenting workshops and support groups should be established to give parents the knowledge and skills they need to guide their children through their developmental years. This will not only help prevent behavioural issues from arising but will also contribute to creating healthier family dynamics across the nation.
We also need policies that increase access to various mental health services—psychological assessments, therapy, and social work interventions—for youth. Prioritising funding for these services should be a key part of national policy. By ensuring that mental health care is accessible and prioritised for youth, Barbados can create a stronger, more resilient generation capable of thriving despite the challenges they may face.
If Barbados fails to act decisively, we risk losing an entire generation to social dysfunction, which will have long-lasting consequences for the country’s future.
Shawn Clarke is right: saving our young people must be everyone’s business.
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