Ontario has designated the week beginning on the third Sunday of November as Bullying Awareness and Prevention Week (November 19 – 26, 2023). This week is dedicated to promoting safer schools and positive learning environments.
Parents and Caregivers are responsible for creating positive environments that promote children’s ability to create and maintain healthy relationships. By helping children develop the essential social skills to navigate peer conflicts and by minimizing opportunities for negative peer interactions, parents can help adjust the imbalance of power inherent in bullying relationships.
Bullying is repeated and targeted aggression and does not need to be physical to be hurtful.
Tips for parents- Promoting Healthy Relationships:
- Promote open and supportive communication.
- Learn about social media apps together.
- Set boundaries and rules.
- Remind your child to THINK before posting online: Is it True? Is it Helpful? Is it Inspiring? Is it Necessary? Is it Kind?
Signs to be aware of: As students may not directly discuss what is taking place at school, you can watch for signs that a child/youth is being bullied these might include:
- being upset or feeling anxious/sick on school days or inquire about changing schools.
- not wanting to take part in activities or social events at school.
- may be acting differently than they normally do.
- suddenly beginning to tell you they lost money or personal belongings.
- coming home with torn clothes/broken possessions or physical markings and offer explanations that don’t make sense.
RESOURCES
•Online safety: Tips for caring adults – Kids Help Phone •What Parents Need to Know | PREVNet
•Digital Media Literacy | MediaSmarts • Programs & Initiatives – protectchildren.ca • Home – Cybertip.ca
