BASSETERRE, St. Kitts - THE Ministry of Education is yet again making an appeal to students in St. Kitts and Nevis to not participate in the ‘Jump Trip Challenge’ - which is taking the world by storm.
According to reports, the challenge is the new big hit among the young people across the world, and is slowly seeing participation by students in the region.
Media reports suggest that there have been a large number of students participating in the challenge, which sees three people standing side by jumping with the two at each end tripping the unsuspecting person in the middle.
In another public plea, Chief Education Officer Daryll Lloyd expressed concern for the growing participation of children in the game here in the St. kitts and Nevis.
CEO Lloyd asserts that the ministry values safety in schools as much as they do healthy fun outdoor play, and as a result, they are encouraging children “to be both safe and active during periods of outdoor play”.
“The Jump Trip Challenge is not a fun or safe activity. It poses a danger to our children. The Ministry of Education took measures to inform all heads of schools, and to caution all members of the schools community to be vigilant in the supervision of the children,” he noted.
Reports published on incidents of the students taking part in the challenge pointed to serious injuries such as concussions.
Against that backdrop, the CEO called on parents to monitor their children and urged that they assist in preventing them from participating in the challenge.
“Parents and civil society were made aware of the challenge and the potential for harm. Despite appeals for caution, there have been reports of children engaging in the challenge both in and out of school, and in some instances children have been hurt.
“We are disheartened at these reports and the resulting harm to children and their families. We continue to encourage the parents to have frank conversations with their children regarding safe play with friends.
“All children should be cautioned from participating in the Jump Trip Challenge and should also refrain from encouraging their friends and others to do so,” explained Lloyd.
The Chief Education Officer did not disclose how many students were injured if any, and the severity of those injuries.
