The community has been encouraged to join forces against bullying to ensure that everyone is valued and respected.

The gathering on the steps of Hamilton City Hall steps marked the close of Anti-Bullying Week and a string of activities amplifying awareness.

Tinée Furbert, the Minister of Youth, Social Development and Seniors, urged residents to make kindness a daily choice.

She said: “Recent tragedies have reminded us all too clearly of the deep impact that violence and bullying has, not only on our young people but on an entire community.

“We see bullying demonstrated in our homes, our schools, on social media and on our TVs and in our community.”

The week’s activities came under the theme “Choose Respect”.

Ms Furbert said campaigns and island-wide connections with young people were critical to stamping out bullying.

Ms Furbert said: “This work is about breaking cycles and ensuring young people feel equipped and supported by making positive choices.”

She said words and actions could hurt, with the damaging effects of bullying not easily repaired.

She added: “Bullying is abuse, so we must teach our young people how to respond appropriately and not to rely on others to feel valued, loved, assured of confidence.”

She said a kindness challenge would be launched in the school system, with youth organisations invited to take part.

She called it “a powerful opportunity to show that we stand together, united against bullying”.

Ms Furbert called on each school to use their students’ artistic and creative abilities to spread the message of peace in school and beyond during the month-long challenge.

Charles Gosling, the Mayor of Hamilton, urged residents to “challenge unkindness”.

He said: “We must model the behaviour we wish to see.”

Mr Gosling called on the community to collaborate with schools to foster respect, empathy and kindness, and said the City of Hamilton was committed to nurturing a culture where everyone felt respected and valued.

He added: “Stand up for what is right, reach out to those who need a friend.

“Let us make Bermuda a place where every individual is celebrated for who they really are.”