Youth Debate On Mental Health, Privacy & More

Source Domain: bernews.com

On May 11th, the Ministry of Youth, Social Development and Seniors hosted a Youth Mental Health Debate at the Dr. E.F. Gordon Memorial Hall, focusing on the motion: “This House believes that a child’s right to privacy when accessing health services outweighs a parent’s right to be informed.”

A Government spokesperson said, “On May 11, 2026, the Ministry of Youth, Social Development and Seniors hosted a Youth Mental Health Debate at the Dr. E.F. Gordon Memorial Hall, focusing on the motion: ‘This House believes that a child’s right to privacy when accessing health services outweighs a parent’s right to be informed.’

“The event was part of the Ministry of Health’s Mental Health Anti-Stigma Month campaign and was organized by the Youth Advisory Working Group [YAWG], a youth-led committee under the Youth Mental Health Plan 2027, sponsored by the Mirrors Programme under the Department of Child and Family Services.

“Tinee Furbert, Minister of Youth, Social Development and Seniors, opened the debate by highlighting the importance of creating safe spaces for young people to speak openly about mental health and access the support they need. Minister Furbert praised the students for their courage, leadership, and willingness to engage with one of the most complex issues facing young people today.

Minister Furbert said, “Your courage, your conviction, and your willingness to wrestle with the hardest conversations of our time is exactly what continues to move this country forward.”

The Government spokesperson said, “She also emphasized that addressing youth mental health requires listening to young people and ensuring their voices remain central in shaping policy and support systems across Bermuda.

“Following the debate, an Expertise Panel offered reflections from professional perspectives spanning debate, child and family services, clinical mental health, public health, and legal/policy reform. The panel…

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