One in five Canadian youth report being bullied regularly, according to the Canadian Red Cross' Beyond the Hurt bullying prevention program. Eighty-five percent of the time, bullying happens in front of others, many of whom don't react or try to stop the behavior. And bullying isn't unique to today's youth, either. The Beyond the Hurt program noted that 38 percent of adult men and 30 percent of adult women in Canada report having been either occasionally or frequently bullied during their school years. The Canadian Red Cross, one of the most active non-profit organizations in Canada, is devoted to reducing bullying in Canadian schools and youth serving organizations, allowing youth to enjoy a safe environment where they can learn and grow.
The impact of bullying
According to the Beyond the Hurt program, people affected by harassment, like bullying in schools, report a loss of interest in academic activities. These individuals are absent more often, produce lower-quality schoolwork, receive lower grades and end up skipping and dropping more classes. They're also more likely to be tardy or truant.
What is Beyond the Hurt?
Beyond the Hurt is an effective and sustainable peer mentoring program. Through Beyond the Hurt, students can equip themselves with the knowledge, skills and confidence to help their peers understand the effects of bullying and how to stop it. This violence and abuse prevention program is designed around current research and proven practices, with planning, ongoing mentorship and support structures for youth all built in.
Bullying safety tips online
The classroom or playground aren't the only places where bullying takes place. Cyber bullying has grown more prevalent through the use of social media, and both parents and youth should be aware of how to handle cyber bullying.
First, youth shouldn't try to reason or talk to the individual doing the bullying. Instead, families should use the social media or chat software's "block" feature to keep that person from contacting you. Next, youth should talk to an adult or a mentor. Also, families be sure to save or print any messages you do receive as evidence.
Tips for youth
If you're being bullied at school, the first thing you should do is speak with an adult that you trust. Spend more time with those friends who support you or stick up for you. Try your best to remain calm, stay as confident as you can and stand up for yourself - but don't react with violence. Most importantly, remember that you don't deserve to be bullied.
Tips for parents
If your child is being bullied, you can do much more than just provide support and care. Be sure to listen to your child entirely before reacting. Always involve your child in the solution, and help him or her create a team of support made up of friends, teacher or school counselors. Help your child cope with the stress and anxiety, but also work with him or her to create an effective response that does not include aggression.
You can make a difference in bullying today. Donate to the Canadian Red Cross and make your stand.