Stand up against bullying
Bullying continues to be a major problem in our schools, workplaces, homes, and online. One in five children are affected by bullying and it’s at a point where many believe that bullying is a normal part of growing up and something everyone goes through.
Bullying is not a normal part of growing up.
In fact, bullying can lead to serious emotional problems such as anxiety, low self-esteem or depression. It can also increase the risk of suicidal ideation in youth.
When a person experiences bullying, there is an aggressive imbalance of power between individuals in a variety of different forms.
Physical bullying - use of physical force or aggression (e.g. hitting)
Verbal bullying - using words to attack someone (e.g. name calling)
Social bullying - using exclusion and rumours to try and hurt someone (e.g. gossiping)
Cyberbullying - using online and mobile technology to threaten, embarrass, intimidate or exclude someone (e.g. sending threatening messages)
You deserve respect, not bullying. If you are feeling targeted by a bully, here are some things you can do.
Take a stand! If you are being bullied keep your cool.
Stay focused on things that make you feel confident and proud – Don’t join in on the bullying!
Get support. Hang out with friends who will support you and speak out against bullying.
Think about qualities you want in a friend and try to have those qualities in yourself.
Do not cast yourself as a “victim” for life. You may have been signalled out in a certain situation, but that doesn’t mean it will always be that way.
Cope with feelings in a healthy way – use sports, music, reading, journaling, or talking to someone you trust.
Pandemic increases cyberbullying
As more and more young people head online to stay connected during COVID-19, there is now an increased risk of cyberbullying. While there are benefits to the online interaction (school, extracurriculars, etc.), there are dangers lurking as well. Since the beginning of the pandemic, there has been a 70 per cent increase in cyberbullying and two out of every three young people have faced bullying over their phones or online.
If you are being cyber-bullied:
STOP - Don’t try to reason or talk to the person who is cyberbullying you
BLOCK - Use “block sender” technology to prevent the person from contacting you
TALK - Tell a trusted adult or your school
SAVE - Save any instant messages or emails you may have received from the person bullying you
Pink Shirt Day is February 24, 2021
The theme of Pink Shirt Day 2021 is “lift each other up” and with all of us feeling the impacts of a global health crisis, this message becomes even more important than ever.
We encourage you to wear a pink shirt and join us as we work together to treat others with dignity and respect!