Prime Minister Portia Simpson Miller has urged the media to join her in ridding the society of the scourge of violence against children.

Addressing the 63rd annual awards ceremony of the Press Association of Jamaica last Friday night, Simpson Miller, said there are some critical national issues on which the entire society, including the press, ought to find common ground.

"Let us begin with the protection and development of children. I think we have a responsibility to ensure that their physical, psychological and spiritual health is not impaired," she said at the ceremony, held at the Jamaica Pegasus hotel, New Kingston.

Mrs. Simpson Miller added: "We also must ensure that our children are given every opportunity to develop into wholesome, productive adults."

Mrs. Simpson Miller said there has been some progress in dealing with the monster of crime, but the progress is not as much as her Government would want.

Referring to the increase in the number of carnal abuse cases, she said, "This (carnal abuse) must sadden as well as sicken you as it does me."

The Prime Minister said while legislation is necessary, it alone cannot deal with the problem.

"We need you in the media to help us change the moral and social climate of the country. I want to ask you in the media to partner with me in a national drive to rid the society of this scourge," she said, while noting that some media practitioners are more influential than politicians.

Mrs. Simpson Miller spoke of what she called her many achievements since taking office in March. She cited a decline in interest rates; the delivery of some 24,000 items of furniture to schools; the Harmony Cove development, road maintenance; and, the repair of bridges.