Parental Engagement And Supervision On The Decline

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NASSAU, BAHAMAS – While the 2025 Global School Health survey addressed issues facing teens, it also spoke to the role of parents and other support systems.

While most teens reported that parents and guardians did not ridicule them, Health Policy lead in the Ministry of Health and Wellness, Dr. Cherita Moxey, revealed emotional presence, communication, consistent parental engagement, and supervision appeared to be in decline.

“The percentage of teens who say their parents rarely or never check their school work, a marker of academic inattention, has more than doubled, rising from 21% to 50%. Those who felt understood by their parents dropped from 37% to 28%,” Moxey said.

Teens who felt their parents listened and were attentive also dropped, while 36 percent said parents rarely or didn’t know what they do in their free time.

“Even when parents and caregivers are physically present in the homes, many teens are still experiencing emotional disconnection, weak communication, and low levels of guidance.”

“Fewer than one in four teens, or 23.4% reported having someone they can confide in about difficult problems or matters that worry them,” Moxey said.

The survey also shows that alcoholism among teens is at a crisis level and that obesity has more than tripled in the last two decades.

The report surveyed more than 2000 students on eight islands, namely Abaco, Grand Bahama, Exuma, Eleuthera, New Providence, Andros, Inagua, and the Berry Islands.

The survey received an 80 percent response rate.

As a result, the findings not only reflect participants but also generalizes the broader population of 13-18 year olds in The Bahamas.

It’s also the culmination of a two-year journey. Chief Medical Officer Dr. Pearl McMilan says these findings should not be taken lightly.

“The findings shared today should be treated as a priority and raise concern for every father, mother, teacher, pastor, community leader, law enforcement officer, and beyond with a commitment to support the changes required,” McMilan said.

Additionally, the Pan American Health Organization supported the survey.

PAHO representative for The Bahamas, Dr. Eldonna Boisson explains why the survey is important:

“Young people are at the heart of our region’s future, yet they face growing threats to their health, rising rates of obesity, exposure to violence, mental health challenges, and risky behavior that can lead to lifelong consequences,” Boisson said.