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Students at Indian Creek Road Public School tuned
into an anti-bullying message Thursday.
Disc jockey Benny DL used
lively songs and audience participation to broadcast
his Stand Up Against Bullying presentation.
As a teacher, I
see bullying in the schools," said Bruce Langford,
also known as Benny DL.
Langford
started the bullying program in an effort to increase
safety in schools. He said he hopes to help create
a safe environment in schools by the time his two-year-old
son starts classes.
"The
message is to do something," Langford said of
the program. "It's a message to bystanders."
If
one person speaks up about bullying, he or she can
make a big difference, he said.
Langford
has three bullying presentations, each geared towards
certain age groups.
The
programs talk about what to do as a witness, victim
and bully.
"I
though it was awesome," said Grade 3 student
Emily Dodman.
She
learned that if she is ever the victim of bullying
she should put on a strong face and "walk with
confidence."
Grade
1 student Fiona Elders said she learned a valuable
lesson from the presentation. |
"It teaches you how not to be a bully and how
to be a good friend," she said.
Vice-principal
Lynn Sulman said Thursday's anti-bullying presentation
is part of the school's ongoing efforts to keep students
aware of bullying behaviours.
We
want our students to feel safe and secure in the classroom
and in the school yard," she said.
"They
do have to stand up against bullying."
Sulman
said while bullying isn't a major problem at the school,
it is an issue all students need to be educated about.
"No
one should be allowed to make them feel like less
than a person," she said.
She
noted bullying is often subtle and teachers don't
always see what is going on.
That's why it's important
students who witness bullying speak up, she said.
Langford
said an alarming trend is online bullying.
Cyber bullying
occurs when rumours are spread on the Internet, he
explained.
He educated
students about how they can get caught participating
in this type of behaviour.
Information
on Standing Up Against Bullying is available at www.atfm.ca. |
