Workshop teaches kids and adults how to handle problem
Malcolm Gorrill
Northern News Services
Inuvik (Feb 23/01) - An anti-bullying policy is to be developed at both schools following a workshop at Ingamo Hall over the weekend.
Young people, as well as parents and other adults who frequently deal with kids, attended the Bully Prevention Workshop Friday and Saturday.
Darryl Cook, project officer at Ingamo, said students at both schools will be picked soon and given some more training before delivering the program.
Cook said the program will include how to intervene in bullying situations, as well as giving positive messages for kids.
Cook said most downtown businesses have already agreed to take part in the Safe Stop program. He explained a business bearing the sticker means it's a safe place for people being threatened by bullies to come.
"I stress to them and to the students that it's not a place to hang out," Cook said.
Last weekend's workshop was put on by Cindi Seddon, who helped found Bully B'Ware Productions in British Columbia five years ago.
Seddon said she discussed what's known about bullies, and how schools can develop strategies to deal with them. She also advised parents the ways to detect if their children are being victimized or are in fact bullying others.
"The message I really hope they would go away with is the power to make a difference, that some leadership is required," Seddon said.
