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Parents in Santiago de Cuba reported that in some primary schools, children were instructed to make a bracelet with their personal information—name and identity card number—justified by the claim that it would be used "in case bombs are thrown to oust Díaz-Canel," according to information released this Tuesday by independent social communicator Yosmany Mayeta Labrada.
The alert came through a message sent by an outraged mother, whose post was shared on social media.
The original text said: "Urgent. They are sending primary school children to make a bracelet with their information, name, and identification card... because they are going to throw bombs to get Diaz Canel out."
The phrase provoked alarm, rejection, and outrage among parents and citizens, who label it as political manipulation and an act that psychologically harms minors.
"Tell me if that's not manipulation and traumatizing those children," expressed the mother who made the complaint, questioning the emotional impact that such messages can have on elementary school kids.
Many parents find it unacceptable to use expressions related to wars, explosions, or scenes of political violence in front of minors who do not have the emotional maturity to process such information without fear.
A child psychology specialist consulted by Mayeta warned that "instilling fear through alarmist rhetoric can leave emotional scars and create insecurity in children," especially in a social context already characterized by tensions and hardships.
Clau Bebesita Kindelan commented: "And it's true, tomorrow there is a parents' meeting to discuss this very issue. I have no words, and my son is worried about whether we are going to die. God, please put your hand over this country."
"This has gone beyond manipulation; I would call it terrorism," emphasized Meraida Martín.
The Cuban Yisel Fleitas recalled, "I am 41 years old and I remember how we were trained to go into the tunnels they built back in the 90s because the Yankees wanted to attack us; just think how long ago that story is."
The complaint falls within a documented pattern of political indoctrination in Cuban classrooms. In March 2026, it was reported that Cuban children were reenacting trials against the United States in schools in Havana, and last April it was reported that children were taken out of schools for the May 1st march.
In September 2025, it was also documented that first-grade math books included images of Fidel Castro in basic exercises, highlighting the infiltration of ideological propaganda from the earliest ages.
Mayeta Labrada himself reported last Friday that he received direct threats via WhatsApp from a Cuban number in retaliation for his journalistic coverage, highlighting the pressure-filled environment in which independent media operates on the island.
As Mayeta noted at the end of his publication: "Because one thing is to prepare, and another very different is to frighten children."
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