Simon Busuttil’s Partner Rebuked For Brushing Off School Bullying Against Muscat Twins
The Commissioner for Children has issued a veiled criticism against Kristina Chetcuti’s recent remark that the Prime Minister and his wife should be raising their twin children to form a thick skin against school bullies rather than complain about it in public.
“Being in the public eye may have repercussions on one’s children irrespective of whether one is in the entertainment industry, a successful entrepreneur or involved in politics,” Commissioner Pauline Miceli said in a statement. “This is especially true in Malta’s case, due to the country’s size and density and due to polarised political discussion being the norm. In light of this, it is the responsibility of all those who have any sort of impact on the lives of children to protect children from the fallout of this polarisation. One of the ways would be to install respect for others even if they hold different beliefs.”
“The Office of the Commissioner for Children firmly believes that bullying and harassment is never justified. It is the role of parents/guardians, educators and educational institutions and all other significant adults to ensure that all children, including children of politicians, are protected from all forms of bullying, harassment and/or discrimination. It is only through responsible adult example the children learn to respect their peers even when they do not agree with them.”
Kristina Chetcuti is the partner of former Opposition leader Simon Busuttil (Photo: Getty Images)
Miceli’s statement was a clear response to an opinion piece penned by Kristina Chetcuti, an Occupy Justice activist and partner of ex Opposition leader Simon Busuttil.
“If your kids have not been invited to a party with the rest of the class, do not wail “Mhux fer”,” Chetcuti wrote. “It happens to all children whether their parents are doctors, bankers, plumbers or politicians. It is called part of growing up: the first disappointments. It serves children well later, because life is not perfect and there will always be people who won’t like you.”
“School ground bullying is bound to happen. It can be because your children’s classmates think that your politician husband is absolute rubbish, but it could also be because your child wears specs or gets better grades or has a funny accent. You need to arm your children with witty replies and punches, and not making them feel they are little princes or princesses who deserve special treatment.”
Chetcuti also questioned why the Prime Minister’s daughters, aged 11, both have their own Instagram accounts when the social media giant requires users to be at least 13 years old.
Labour MP Rosianne Cutajar, a former school teacher, described Chetcuti’s intervention as “shockingly disgraceful”.
“No Kristina, bullying is not “part of growing up” and such a statement is shockingly disgraceful coming from the partner of an “ex” PN leader,” Cutajar said. “Bullying is not a fight that children need to fight on their own & it is simply unacceptable of you to justify it! We have a civic duty to condemn all types of bullying and we must fight it as a society.”
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