Stand Up to Bullying

The week of November 13-19, 2011 marks Bullying Awareness Week and with recent events and twitter talk about bullying prevention, this is a very important issue that needs to be brought to the forefront.

Many of us may have experienced bullying as kids or have school aged children that have already experienced the mean hand of bullying at such a young age - whether its the 'simple' act of name calling or more aggressive with a physical assualt, we as a community need to STAND UP to Bullying!!

So what can we do?

STAND UP!!!

For starters...don't take the approach that bullying is normal! Bullying is NOT normal or socially acceptable! What may have been the approach of the past with the terms 'Buck Up' or 'Don't be such a sissy!', by accepting the behaviour of the bully we are giving them power. STAND UP!!!

Bullying can happen anywhere! At school, on the street at shopping centers, summer camp, in the adult workplace and online. Bullies aren't born that way - it's a learned behaviour and can be changed so STAND UP!!!

If you're being bullied, don't let your feelings show. Letting the bully know they've upset you will only make things worse. Talk to someone who can help. STAND UP!!!

Don't be a bystander! If you see someone being bullied by someone don't just sit there...STAND UP!!!

It takes courage to speak out against bullying but if we all try we can put an end to bullying! Tell kids that bully to back off! Bullying is NOT cool! STAND UP!!!

If you walk away and get help you are part of the solution...if you stand there and do nothing you are part of the problem! STAND UP!!!

Learn more about bullying and how you can STAND UP!!! at bullying.org or take the pledge against bullying at family.ca