Young people debated the age of consent for access to mental health services at an event held as part of the Ministry of Health’s Mental Health Anti-Stigma Month.

The Ministry of Youth, Social Development and Seniors hosted the session at the Dr E.F. Gordon Memorial Hall in the Bermuda Industrial Union’s Ottiwell Simmons Building.

Up for debate was the motion: “This house believes that the age of consent to access mental health services should be reduced from 18 to 16.”

The event was organised by the Youth Advisory Working Group, a committee led by young people under the Youth Mental Health Plan 2027, sponsored by the Mirrors Programme under the Department of Child and Family Services.

Tinée Furbert, the Minister of Youth, Social Development and Seniors, opened the debate on May 12 and emphasised the importance of mental health policy discussions.

She said: “Today’s motion is not only timely but also deeply resonant with the challenges and opportunities we face as a community.”

Christopher Jackson, the chairman of the working group, highlighted the relevance of the debate and noted that countries such as the Bahamas and Guyana have recently amended mental health legislation to reflect human rights considerations.

The event concluded with remarks from the Governor, Andrew Murdoch, and Kim Wilson, the Minister of Health.

Mr Murdoch said: “The topic is an important one, and well done to those organising this to put it front and centre.”

He highlighted statistics from the national youth mental health study carried out in Bermuda in 2022.

Mr Murdoch said: “Sixty-two per cent cited embarrassment as the main reason for not seeking help and that’s that issue of stigmatisation. So, I really do fully support the work to raise awareness of both the issue and how it can manifest.

“It’s vital that we create an environment free from stigmatisation where the youth can talk about mental health freely.”