KINGSTON, Jamaica — The Centre for Investigation of Sexual Offences and Child Abuse (CISOCA) is advising students that “it’s important that you know how you cope” as it highlights mental health challenges they could be facing.

The sentiment echoed throughout each presenter’s address at the CISOCA’s All About Me Advocacy Workshop, held at the Office of the Commissioner of Police on Thursday.

“Unfortunately, many of our children are silently battling anxiety, trauma, depression, abuse, violence, bullying, and uncertainty about the future. Some carry burdens beyond their years,” Assistant Commissioner of Police Wayne Josephs expressed, while addressing an audience of students and teachers from a variety of schools within Kingston and St Andrew.