Back to school in the Caribbean: Navigating the new term with purpose and vigilance
by PAULA-ANNE MOORE
PARENT ADVOCATE Spokesperson and Coordinator Group of Concerned Parents of Barbados Caribbean Coalition for Exam Redress (edited for space) As schools across Barbados and the wider CARICOM region reopen their doors, the familiar rhythm of uniforms, timetables, and morning traffic returns.
It’s that time of year again! For many parents, it is a time of relief, as their children get settled in the school routine. For many students: excitement to get back to school to see their friends and engage in their clubs and other activities.
For some teachers, a time to gird their loins and go ‘once more unto the breach’, while they carry out their vocation shaping young minds and lives.
The excitement of a new academic year is often tempered by a host of concerns shared by parents, students and educators alike. From mental health pressures to exam concerns, to financial strain, the back-to-school season in 2025 is more than just a return to routine—it’s a complex balancing act.
Mental and Medical Health: A Growing Priority in Caribbean Classrooms Parents are increasingly worried about their children’s mental well-being, with concerns about anxiety, depression, and social isolation topping the list.
Evolving pressures of peer pressure, bullying, the influence of social media and AI are all relevant concerns. The rise in screen time and social media exposure has only intensified these worries. The Chief Medical Officer [Barbados]Dr George revealed certain disturbing trends on 3rd September: Barbados’ 24-hour mental health hotline has received more than 6,500 calls since its launch February 2024.
40% of those calls are from children and teens. Dr George stated that the ‘high number of youth callers highlights the urgent need for mental health services that are affordable, accessible and culturally sensitive’. Additionally, he stated that ‘young people are struggling with anxiety, depression and stress’.
Bullying is a top worry for many parents. Understanding school policies on anti-bullying, ensuring such policies are effective, and building strong relationships with teachers, are key strategies.
The emotional well-being of students has become a pressing issue. In Barbados, where academic pressure and social dynamics can weigh heavily on young minds, parents are increasingly advocating for more robust mental health support in schools.
Our advocacy groups have highlighted the need for trauma-informed approaches, especially for students affected by educational disruptions, displacement, or systemic inequities.
Mental health challenges clearly can manifest in disruptive behaviour outside and within school. As school starts, we hope the resources are available to identify those students who may require support at the earliest opportunity.
Increasing childhood obesity rates and NCDs such as pre-diabetes in school children are worrisome. Parents try to provide healthy school meals for their children which they can afford. This is becoming harder for many.
For too many parents it has been significant struggle to outfit their children to the desired standards. The 1980s calypso comes to mind: “Rice gone up….
And me salary cut back!’
How are parents coping with rising costs?
Back-to-school shopping for too many is a huge financial hurdle.
Regional governments have made strides with textbook rental schemes and school feeding programs, but gaps persist.
In Barbados, Trinidad and Tobago, Jamaica, and Guyana, similar challenges echo, with parents calling for more transparency and equity in school funding and procurement.
Education transformation must consider whether our school uniforms can be modified to offer less expensive polo shirt options. In an era of rising classroom temperatures due to climate change, this is an important consideration.
Schools themselves are feeling the pinch: with staffing and other resources challenges, PTAs and parent groups should partner to assist with fundraising efforts and other student support.
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