Youth Engaged Leadership Learning (YELL) members from Chestermere and Langdon teamed up for a Peace walk travelling from John Peake Park to Sunset Beach with pets on leash chanting “We Want Peace” escorted by the local RCMP. The campaign strives to promote awareness of the ever ongoing issue of bullying and also with coming up with new solutions to this age old problem.
YELL which is the community based youth group is a prominent advocate in town for keeping the issues of bullying at the forefront of public awareness in a world that continually is having to deal with this universal problem. In an interview Angela Heagy, Youth Development Coordinator with Community Services and organizer of the event, said, “Bulling simply doesn’t leave; it’s not a trend and must be continually addressed.”
She talked about what has been seen of late from the recent campaigns. What is happening is that youth are confusing normal peer conflict with bullying. “They are labeling disagreements, arguments, and aggressive communications where TWO parties are EQALLY involved – as bullying.”
It need to be made clear is that bullying is a manipulation of power-stronger individuals (whether physically or with social status) who harass, manipulate, and threaten or hurt a ‘weaker’ individual (smaller, quieter, shy, new, etc.). Bullying is also repetitive-meaning that it happens on more than one occasion, so that harassment becomes another cornerstone of the definition of bullying.
As well as the confusion over normal peer conflict it has been found the youth strongly resist reporting instances of bullying by their peers believing it makes the problem worse. It must be stressed however that adult intervention may be necessary. Mental health issues such as ongoing depression and suicidal thoughts are markers that need to be paid attention to anyone having these experiences and youth are encouraged to seek support if under this duress. Advice from adults should take in consideration the comfort and capability of the child or teen in implementing that strategy.
We all experience some form of bullying at one point or another, whether it be through cyber bully, physical, gossip, false rumors, in relationships, etc. However, for some the feelings of shame that may come with being bullied can be unbearable. Especially if the bullying extends beyond school hours, and invades the individual’s social media sites, cell phones, extracurricular activities, etc.
Solutions that have come through student dialogue are to act as a person of justice by taking a stand to speak out against peers who are perpetrating the act. When one peer group can promote peace to another group it is more effective than when it comes through adult channels. In other words when you see anyone being bullied don’t’ turn away; grab the courage to say something.
Other suggestions embraced by youth are to take that first step to ending victimization and “Stand up for yourself”. Focusing on any successes in reducing bullying is a positive way forward.
The Turn Around Program is Chestermere’s Crime Reduction Partnership and works with youth that are at risk, and can connect individuals experiencing bullying and/or concerned individuals with resources. Contact Angela Heagy at 403.207.7081
The YELL Pets4Peace parade will take place again in Langdon June 6. Everyone is invited join in the walk with their leashed pet. If you are between the ages of 12 to 18 and would like to join YELL information can be found on the town’s website www.chestemere.ca by following the links under community services. Also under development is a program for youth tweens called SHOUT.
