Міністерство провело молодіжні дебати про вік психічної згоди

The Ministry of Youth, Social Development and Seniors organized a Youth Mental Health Debate at the Dr. E.F. Gordon Memorial Hall on May 12, 2025. This event addressed the motion: ‘This House believes that the age of consent to access mental health services should be reduced from 18 to 16.’

This debate was a key component of the Ministry of Health’s Mental Health Anti-Stigma Month campaign and was initiated by the Youth Advisory Working Group (YAWG), a youth-led body under the Youth Mental Health Plan 2027. The Mirrors Programme, part of the Department of Child and Family Services, sponsored the initiative.

Minister of Youth, Social Development and Seniors, Hon. Tinee Furbert, opened the discussion by emphasizing the necessity of engaging in mental health policy conversations. She stated, ‘The motion we discuss today is timely and resonates with our community’s challenges and opportunities.’

Christopher Jackson, Chair of YAWG, noted the significance of the debate, pointing out that nearby nations like the Bahamas and Guyana have recently revised their mental health laws to incorporate human rights perspectives. He commended the student participants for their compelling arguments that tackled stigma and promoted awareness of youth mental health issues.

The debate culminated with comments from His Excellency, Governor Andrew Murdoch, and Health Minister Hon. Kim Wilson, who praised the students for their thoughtful contributions. Governor Murdoch remarked on the importance of the topic, stating, ‘Well done to those organizing this to put it front and center.’ He referenced data from the National Youth Mental Health study conducted in Bermuda in September 2022, revealing that 62% of respondents cited embarrassment as the primary reason for not seeking help.

He stressed the need to foster an environment free of stigma, where young people can openly discuss mental health. The debate attracted a diverse audience, including government officials, educators, youth program leaders, and family members. It was also streamed on CITV and is accessible on the Government of Bermuda’s social media platforms and CITV’s YouTube channel.

For more details regarding the Proposed Youth Mental Health Plan, interested parties can contact Dr. Daniel Cavanagh via email at dcavanagh@college.bm.