The Kelowna Mounties are doing their part to support Pink Short Day across Canada today by visiting local schools to reinforce the national anti-bullying campaign.
Like other RCMP across the province, Kelowna detachment school liaison officers Cst. Robyn Boffy and Cst. Georgina Josefsson will be making the rounds today to speak to local students about how to protect themselves from being victims of bullying.
“Youth, parents, school administrators and the law enforcement community all have a role to play to ensure the safety of students in schools,' said Cst. Josefsson.
“It's important to remind everyone to do what they can to keep their schools bully free and to report any acts of bullying or assist those who are victims of bullying,” added Cst. Boffy. “Young people should also be encouraged to approach teachers or other adults they trust if they are experiencing bullying and are not comfortable speaking with their parents. The problem can only be rectified if the person affected comes forward.”
“Cyberbullying, which can include mean-spirited cell phone text messages, posts on social networking sites or threats sent over instant messaging services is a growing concern for Canadian communities,” added Cst. Jesse O’Donaghey Kelowna RCMP media relations officer.
“National Crime Prevention Services has developed resources that foster awareness and education about the issue for officers, parents, teachers and youth.”
A number of helpful resources are available to youth and their parents through the deal.org website. These include facts on what bullying is, why people bully and who they target and how parents can deal with their child, whether they are being bullied or are the ones doing the bullying.
The DEAL.org website provides youth with the tools they need to make healthy life choices and to overcome challenges in their lives and communities. DEAL.org aims to provide an accurate youth perspective to the RCMP to in turn help provide relevant crime prevention tools and resources that are relevant to youth on issues to crime prevention.