WELLINGTON COUNTY – National School Safety Week runs Oct. 17 to 23 and the Canada Safety Council is reminding people that we have a responsibility to protect youth in schools.
According to Public Safety Canada, nearly half of Canadian parents report that at least one of their children has been a victim of bullying, defined as “acts of intentional harm repeated over time in a relationship where an imbalance of power exists.”
Though it’s known that bullying can extend past the schoolyard and into the workplace, the home, and anywhere people gather to live, learn or play, school is frequently the first environment in which a child is subjected to such aggression.
The prevalence of the behaviour makes it even more crucial for schools to play a leadership role.
“A bullied child will often feel isolated, unsafe and alone,” said council CEO Gareth Jones.
“As teachers, parents and guardians, we have a responsibility to show them, not just tell them, that we are in their corner,” Jones added.
The council provides some tips for spotting warning signs of bullying, and how to advocate for a child:
Signs
– heightened anxiety, fear;
– lowered self-esteem and interest in previously enjoyable activities;
– unhappiness, irritability or trouble sleeping; and
– injuries, including bruising and damage to physical property (if physical).
Caregiver tips
Show your child that you are there for them. Trust is of paramount importance in addressing bullying, and a child will not report any issues to someone they do not trust to support them. Maintaining an open and healthy relationship with your child will help them feel comfortable confiding in you;
Encourage them to share if they are being bullied. Yes, it can be embarrassing or hurtful. But children need to know their feelings are valid and they are not expected to carry this burden by themselves. The quicker they inform the responsible adults in their lives, the quicker help can be provided.
Do not advise your child to fight back. In such situations, aggression is often met with more aggression and only makes the situation worse.
Remember: at its core, bullying is a relationship imbalance. Violence is a less effective mitigation tactic than adult intervention.
Document everything. Take notes of times, dates and details of incidents as your child reports them.
If the bullying is occurring via electronic means, this includes emails, instant messages, text messages and any other evidence of cyberbullying.
Talk to your child’s school. Bring all documentation and be prepared to sit down and discuss the bullying behaviour.
Keep in mind throughout that you are your child’s advocate, their defender, and their voice.
Bullying prevention is a team effort, a collaboration to create a more level playing field and to support children as they navigate the formative years of their lives. Help show that respect, kindness and dignity are core values, and that bullies never win.
