Guide Helps Families Deal with Bullying

(NC)—Be it name-calling, threats, extortion or physical violence, bullying is quickly becoming the leading concern facing school-aged children and youth and their parents.

Bullying is abuse, defined as repeated, aggressive behaviour which harms others physically or emotionally. Research shows that the emotional impact can last well into adulthood.

“Bullying cannot simply be brushed aside as a normal part of growing up,” says Pam Jolliffe, President and CEO of Boys and Girls Clubs of Canada. “All children and youth, whether they are the bullied or the bullies, need help from adults and role models to deal with this situation.”

In response to this escalating problem, Boys and Girls Clubs of Canada has partnered with Sears Canada through its Sears Young Futures community investment program, to create a resource pamphlet to raise awareness among parents and caregivers and to spark dialogue about this persistent issue facing young people.

Entitled “Bullying: What you should know. What you can do”, the guide offers valuable information to help young people get the protection, assistance and support they need when faced with a bullying situation. Free copies are available at Boys and Girls clubs and in some schools, libraries and community centres across Canada, and can be downloaded at www.bgccan.com.

Many Boys and Girls clubs nationwide also offer programs that take a preventative approach to bullying and youth violence by tackling some of the root causes including low self-esteem and poor communication skills.

“We teach kids about valuing themselves. They learn better social skills, how to interact with others and how to ask for help when they need it,” explains Amy Fulton, a program director at the Boys and Girls Club of Cochrane in Cochrane, Alberta. “As a result, the entire community benefits - parents and children, teachers and principals.”