Weeks calls on ‘village’ to curb youth violence
Residents were urged today by the national security minister to come together to collectively tackle antisocial behaviour and violence among young people.
Michael Weeks said that it takes “all of us” to make sure that children grow up in a safe, supportive and nurturing environment.
His comments in the House of Assembly came after police launched an investigation into the circumstances behind video footage of two fights between CedarBridge Academy students that was circulated on social media.
Mr Weeks said that videos in circulation included middle school pupils and showed people “engaging in violent and disturbing conduct towards each other”.
He told MPs: “Immediate action is being taken to address this situation and prevent further incidents.”
Mr Weeks added: “We also witnessed an act of bravery and responsible citizenship on Wednesday afternoon from deputy principal Christopher Swan, who risked his life to tackle a young man armed with a knife.
“His quick response likely prevented serious harm, and we commend him for his courage and dedication to protecting others.
“However, this should never have happened in the first place.
“No student, teacher or staff member should have to face this level of violence in a school environment or around Bermuda.”
The minister described the antisocial behaviour among young people as “deeply concerning”.
He said: “We cannot afford to lose any more of our children to violence, crime and negative influences.
“Every life lost, every young person caught up in the justice system and every act of youth violence is a failure of society.
“This is not just a school issue — it is a community matter, and we must all work together to remedy this problem.”
Mr Weeks urged members of the public not to circulate any videos of violence that involved the island’s young people.
“Our focus should be on protecting our children, not spreading outrageous content that could further harm them,” he said.
The minister told MPs: “We are the role models that our children need to see. They are watching us, learning from our actions and looking to us for guidance.
“If we want them to make positive choices, we must show them what that looks like.
“We must also demand that the parents of these children take responsibility for their behaviour.
“These children are clearly recognisable in these videos, so it is right for us to expect that the adults in their lives take accountability for this unacceptable and egregious behaviour.
“Adults must play their role in training up our children and not tolerate this violent behaviour.
“Government cannot solve this problem without the proper intervention of parents and adults.”
He highlighted the Government’s violence reduction strategy and said that the gang violence reduction team was “heavily involved in delivering programmes and providing interventions” that helped to address the issue.
Mr Weeks reminded MPs about programmes included in the plan.
They included stronger security and prevention measures, and enforcement of a zero-tolerance policy for weapons in schools, “with clear, decisive consequences”.
The minister spoke to the expansion of access to counsellors to provide support for young people before they reach crisis levels and strengthening partnerships with mental health organisations.
He added: “Through the violence reduction strategy, we are launching education opportunities and awareness programmes to equip parents with the tools to recognise warning signs of gang involvement, bullying and emotional struggles in their children; strengthening connections between schools, churches, community leaders, sports clubs and local organisations to provide mentorship and guidance; encouraging parents to take an active role in their children’s lives — monitoring their activities, setting boundaries and fostering open communication.”
I am deeply concerned by the recent violent incidents involving our young people, particularly those attending our public schools. The videos circulating are not only disturbing — they are heartbreaking. They show a breakdown in the environment we should be building for our youth: one of safety, support and positive opportunity.
First, I want to acknowledge the courage of CedarBridge Academy deputy principal Christopher Swan, whose selfless actions likely prevented an unfortunate outcome. His bravery highlights the commitment of our educators — but it also underscores the unacceptable risks they now face both on and off school grounds.
Our schools must be safe spaces for learning and growth, not places where violence is becoming normalised.
The Minister of National Security has laid out a comprehensive strategy with programmes and interventions that sound promising. However, the public deserve to know what has been implemented to date, what results we are seeing, and how the ministries of education, national security, and social development are working together. This cannot be just another plan on paper.
What we are seeing is not just a school issue; it’s a societal one. But we cannot allow that fact to blur accountability. We need targeted action. We need transparency on outcomes. And, most importantly, we need urgency.
Our teachers, principals and school staff are doing their best under increasingly difficult conditions. But they need resources, training and real-time support. Our students need access to mentorship, mental health services and structured opportunities to thrive. And, yes, parents must be held accountable — but they also need guidance and support in an island that has increased financial pressures and more complications in parenting caused by technology.
This is not a time for blame. But it is a time for leadership — bold, co-ordinated and compassionate. I stand ready to work with anyone committed to real solutions. Because our children cannot afford any more wasted time.
Attention is being given to providing more positive alternatives to young people, MPs heard, including a funding increase for youth-focused schemes that promote leadership, discipline and self-respect.
Mr Weeks said that peer mediation programmes will continue alongside conflict resolution training to help young people learn how to handle disputes peacefully.
He added: “Bermuda must work together in this arena.
“The future of our children is at stake and we cannot allow violence, peer pressure and negative influences to steal their potential.
“I have for some time now been advocating for a collective approach to the youth violence in our country.
“We are asking the entire community to look out for our children. If you see something, say something.
“If you know a young person who is struggling or heading down the wrong path, reach out and provide some guidance, advice or help.
“If you can be a mentor, a supporter or a protector, now is the time to step up and make a positive difference in someone’s life.
“It takes all of us — parents, teachers, neighbours, faith leaders, law enforcement and the wider community — to ensure that our children grow up in a safe, supportive and nurturing environment.
“This is not just about laws and policies; it is about our collective responsibility to protect and guide the next generation.
“We must hold each other accountable for the contributions we are making towards a safer and more secure future for our children.”
Mr Weeks said: “This is a matter that demands our collective co-operation and mutual support, irrespective of political affiliations.
“Our youth deserve our collective efforts towards providing them with the guidance, discipline, structure and support they need to become productive and responsible citizens in this country.”
Police also said yesterday that an inquiry was under way into a separate incident that involved two girls, seen in a physical altercation in a residential neighbourhood.
• Anyone with information concerning any of the incidents is asked to contact the Bermuda Police Service on 295-0011. Alternatively, anonymous tips can be provided by calling Crime Stoppers on 800-8477, or through the BPS community reporting portal
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• To read Michael Weeks’s statement in full, see Related Media
