AIRDRIE, AB – Crimebeat – Bullying Prevention – Bullying is defined by psychologists as “a power relationship carried on by one individual or group of individuals towards another person”. Some examples of bullying are: rumors, threats, hurtful words, hair pulling and teasing. Bullying can also escalate to physical violence. As a result of bullying the person who is being bullied may feel rejected, have a low self-esteem, poor grades, and they may want to withdraw or isolate themselves. Some of the things to be cognizant of and may be warning signs with your children or loved ones are: refusing to go to school, inexplicable cuts and bruises and never inviting friends over. Although these are not concrete signs of bullying, they have been linked in many cases. The targeted group of people who are bullied are often different in some way. Sometimes it is people who dress differently or look physically different. Other times, it is people who have different nutritional habits or even an introverted personality.
Some of the things you can do to alleviate bullying are:
- not answering back in verbal or physical violence
- ignore insults
- tell an adult
- be confident
Some of the things parents or care-givers can do to assist:
- discuss the problem with the child
- involve them in extra-curricular activities
- be empathetic
- encourage positive behaviors
This is a general message sent out as a reminder that as individuals, families, schools, and organizations we can all work together to reduce violence and ensure the health and well being of our community.
Kids Help phone (completely confidential, anonymous, free, 24 hours a day) 1-800-668-6868
If anyone has information on any unsolved crime, please phone your local RCMP Detachment or contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or www.crimestoppers.ab.ca. Crime Stoppers will pay cash for information leading to the identity of the persons responsible for this crime. Crime Stoppers does not ask for your name and does not subscribe to call display.