Old problem highlighted ahead of new school year
Posted Aug 29, 2013 7:38 am.
This article is more than 5 years old.
Parents concerned about bullying are being urged to keep the lines of communication with the children open.
Susan Shores who is a counselor at the Calgary Counseling Centre says bullying is a problem society has been dealing with forever.
Shores says because of the increase in use of social media, we are more aware of the problem, adding there are a number of programs available to help both the victims and perpetrators of bullying.
According to a recent poll conducted by Big Brothers Big Sisters, almost 50 per cent of students believe bullying is a problem in their school and 70 per cent want teachers and principals to do more to curb it.
Jeannie Everett with the Calgary Board of Education tells 660News they have a number of programs and policies in place, but help can only be made available if it’s asked for.
Everett says there is no magic age for a parent to have a conversation with their child about bullying, adding it’s a subject that requires ongoing conversations.
Janet Corsten with the Calgary Catholic School Board says it’s imperative parents not only keep the lines of communication open, but they take action as soon as they notice a change in behaviour.
Corsten says while some bullying does happen at school, much of it these days happens away from the classroom; namely on-line.
