Dealing With the Bully

What should a child or teenager do if he or she finds themselves in a bullying situation? Well, the best thing to do is to turn away and ignore it, don't feed the troll. Don't let your ego get in the way and have to turn around and reply back. Just let the bully look like he or she is talking to him or her self. Easier said than done sometimes, but it is best to not get into a more heated confrontation with them. Now, if that does not work and it gets more physical then one can understand what the victim of this situation has to do to protect themselves. Sometimes, if you learn some self-defence skills, you can get yourself out of this physical confrontation much easier and will teach the bully a lesson. However, you should refrain from seriously hurting the bully because you do not want to become like them. 

Preventing yourself from becoming like a bully while being a victim is what one should look at. Bullying is a never ending cycle which usually begins from one's past and passes it along to their victim. It is why we should deal with bullying at all angles by helping the bully and not just the victim. Bringing a sense of community is a great way of doing this. But outside of the realm of a bullying situation, sporting activities always brings a sense of community which is why children or teenagers who are involved in some sort of sports activity have better intentions than to bully someone else.

2012 Snowflake Walk

Join the Snowflake Walk in Port Coquitlam on December 9 for a cause to raise awareness on bullying. "Be Someone and Stop Being a Bystander." Be part of a great cause!

Erase Bullying

A website by the B.C. Government known as Erase Bullying has launched to allow people to report bullying anonymously. It was introduced at the Erase Bullying Conference hosted by Premier Christy Clark with educators, students and parents invited. It is the B.C Government's response to the issue of bullying, especially with the recent tragedy of Amanda Todd. This website provides valuable resources for bully victims to get help and to report on bullying incidents.

It is a right step by the B.C. Government to help stop bullying as it has become a very dangerous issue in schools affecting children. Giving students the resource to report cases of bullying anonymously helps. In addition to online reporting, it is still best that students who are victims of bullying to report it to their teachers or administration staff as a more face to face approach can be just as effective. Students who are victims of bullying do not need to be shy or worry, as adults should take necessary steps to helping the student through this ordeal.

Moreover, for teachers and administrators to help students who are victims of bullying, they should take the necessary steps to helping the student, as there have been reports of  schools not doing enough like that of the incident in Richmond B.C. Administrators and teachers should have strategies to handle bullying situations much more seriously as these incidents have a profound impact on a child growing up. It is why administrators and teachers should have some training to deal with bullying and the best way to handle it. Thus, an incident like that in Richmond, B.C. does not occur and will provide teachers and administrators the necessary knowledge and techniques to deal with a bullying case.

Erase Bullying allowing people to report bullying anonymously is a right step to stop bullying. But, administrators and teachers of schools should also receive some training in handling bullying so that they are much more effective at it. We should not allow children to grow up in such a hostile environment as it has a negative impact on their development.

Pop Culture Increasing Bullying?

An article in The Globe and Mail mentions the influence pop culture has that may influence bullying with the recent tragic news of Amanda Todd. Through different forms of media that children consume in the modern age, it is very easy for children to be influenced with violent behaviour. However, personal issues may also be the problem. A bully is likely to be facing a personal issue of their own, whether it be household or a previous victim of bullying. It is this reason why we should understand both the bully and victim when dealing with the situation. Educating children, parents and anyone in the public are ways we can understand and deal with bullying. Moreover, educating children about the media they are consuming may help to curb their behaviour so that they will not become a bully themselves. We should start working on educating children about the media they consume as well as working with both the bully and the victim.

Ontario Anti-bullying Bill Passed

Ontario has recently passed anti-bullying legislation not without controversy. Read more about it here.

For Parents Who Want to do More about Bullying

An excellent resource for parents who want to get involved with bullying. The information is provided by PREVNet, and you can find out more by clicking here.

Anti-bullying Resources for Teens

An excellent resource for teens who may be both bullies and targets. The information is provided by PREVNet, you can find out more here.

Anti-bullying Resources for Kids

An excellent resource for kids, or people who are concerned that a kid might be bullied. The information is provided by PREVNet here.

Want to Know More about Bullying?

A wonderful page filled that will inform you all about bullying. All sorts of research study summaries are available as well as important information regarding bullying specifics. The information is provided by PrevNet and can be accessed here.

Resources for Educators and Other Adults Who Work with Children

Resources include a checklist for teachers and tips for school bus drivers. The link is provided by PrevNet by clicking here.

Awesome Source for Anti-bullying Resources

Here is a cornucopia of anti-bullying information from the PREVNet (Promoting Relationships and Eliminating Violence network) co-led by Dr. Wendy Craig, Ph.D., a professor at Queen’s University’s Department of Psychology. There is a lot of research that details the advances that have been done in the bullying field. PREVNet has also complied a list of other excellent anti-bullying resources from all around the globe. As well, if you are interested in reading more about bullying, there is an excellent list of books. Wonderful anti-bullying multimedia is available as well by clicking here. Furthermore, there are wonderful resources for everyone. Come check the page out and become an anti-bullying ambassador!