Local Bullying Awareness

Before 2011, the third week of November was the unofficial National Bullying Awareness Week. Now, thanks to the efforts of local radio host Ace Burpee, the week is officially recognized by the Canadian Government.

This year the National Bullying Awareness Week fell between November 12th and 17th. With Virgin Radio leading much of the charge, plenty of local efforts were made to support the cause. Many of the programs in Winnipeg are not only offered during National Bullying Awareness Week, but also are available on different dates throughout the year.

Organized by the University of Manitoba, Bisons Against Bullying is a free program that reaches out to youth in grades 4, 5 and 6. Bison Athletes visit schools to make interactive speeches and presentations on the subject of bullying to kids. By telling stories of their own personal hardships and experiences with bullying, the athletes are able to relate to the youth and make the program a hit.

The Rainbow Resource Centre focuses on creating a safe community where LGBTT youth can gather to discuss their personal experiences of bullying and develop resiliency. The Y.E.A.H (Youth Educating against Homophobia) program provides presentations in schools which aim to celebrate diversity, teach youth to identify and stop homophobia-based bullying and encourage role models to step up.

The Youth Agencies Alliance is a group supported by The United Way, which consists of organizations that serve the youth of Winnipeg. For the National Bullying Awareness Week, the Alliance shared personal bullying stories from people in Winnipeg on their facebook page. Additionally, the United Way supports the Canadian Red Cross’s RespectED program, which visits schools to present workshops on how to prevent and deal with violence and bullying.

The goals of the National Bullying Awareness Week are reflected in the various programs available throughout Manitoba. All focus on educating youth about issues of bullying to promote tolerance and responsiveness. 

Source: United Way Winnipeg

Every child has the right to play, safe

Childhood bullying is common, we've all dealt with it. It seems like it is something that is more talked about now than ever before. Bully isn't just physical, it can be as simple as name calling and teasing.

This type of behaviour is likely to happen when children are not sitting in class with the teacher, they risk getting caught. Instead, bullying starts in the playground during recess. Recess is the time that children play, in a designated area, with very little supervision. It is highly unlikely that a child will get bullied close to an adult, therefore it goes unnoticed and unaddressed.

Bully will always be bullies, sometimes into adulthood. The problem will never go away unless it is addressed at a young age.

So what does playground staff need to do to control the environment and ensure that all kids are safe? Increasing supervision, provide training for such situations, and understand the procedures of conflict resolution techniques, just to name a few.

International Play Association Canada or IPA, offers guidelines for professionals working with and for children. They can provide education and training in areas such as bullying.

Bullying will never truly go away, the next generation of children will be bullied but instead of turning away from the situation, it is best that we educated the professionals caring for and teaching our children every day.