Challenge your community to prevent bullying with the Canadian Red Cross

Topics: National, Violence, Bullying and Abuse Prevention
December 10, 2012

Challenge your community to prevent bullying with the Canadian Red Cross

From the halls of your child's school to your family's very own computer, bullying can strike at any time.

As the country's leading non-profit organization, the Canadian Red Cross strives to help those in need through a range of services that offer helpful resources. With violence and abuse prevention programs like Beyond the Hurt, the Canadian Red Cross can give you the vital tools you need to reach out to your child.

The impact of bullying
Did you know that one in five Canadian youth report being bullying regularly, and that 47 per cent of parents report having a child affected by harassment?

If your child is being teased or picked on by peers, you may think this is a part of the growing up process, but it turns out this harmful behavior can impact young people for decades. Bullying can manifest in a variety of forms, from physical to verbal to emotional abuse. Children that have access to the internet can also be susceptible to harassment on the web.

Putting a stop to the hurt
While young people who are targeted by bullies often feel alienated and scared, it's important that they know they're not alone. Half the time when a friend or bystander steps in, bullying stops in 10 seconds or less. This remarkable fact underscores the importance of intervention and the significance of addressing the problem through anti-bullying initiatives.

Each year from November 12 to 17, people from across the country unite for Bullying Awareness Week. Together, they take the opportunity to speak out against the damaging effects of bullying and challenge other young people, educators and adults to confront harmful practices like harassment in their communities through violence and abuse prevention education and initiatives.

How you can help
Bullying is a serious issue that can impact a person's quality of life, but with help from the Canadian Red Cross, you can give your children the skills they need to stand up to bullying and put a stop to hurtful behavior both at school and among friends.

To learn more about the resources offered by the Canadian Red Cross and to build better, more effective techniques for communicating with your children about this important issue, please visit us online or contact your local Canadian Red Cross office to donate today.

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