Fort Simpson (May 13/05) - As a social worker, parent and long-time community member, Stephanie de Pelham has dealt with bullying issues before.

When conflict arises between children, she recommends approaching the other parents in a non-confrontational manner. Then the adults can hopefully work together to help the children overcome troubles between them, she said.

"I've found that very successful," de Pelham said, adding that parents are sometimes completely unaware that their child is bullying others.

"I think the best results are dealing with the parents because they're the ones who have the long-term relationship with the child."

If the other parents won't co-operate, then some people might consider turning to the police, she noted.

RCMP Const. Sigmund Janke said bullying is an "ongoing issue" in the community.

"If it's not addressed in an appropriate manner, it continues, it perpetuates throughout the person's life," he said, adding that charges cannot be laid against anyone under 12 years old, but the RCMP are willing to help families find a resolution. "When someone comes to the police there's an expectation that the police are going to do something and we will."

Depending on the nature of the abuse, whether it's physical or verbal, the young victim may benefit from strategies for dealing with the bullying, according to de Pelham.

Depending on the circumstances, she said she, as a parent, might approach the assailant herself and then notify his or her parents of the situation.

In her role as social worker, de Pelham said she would assist parents who approach her with bullying issues, whether it be assessing the child's social skills or offering anger management counselling.

Bullying can be a learned behaviour for children who have been pushed around themselves or who have grown up in homes where they have witnessed violence, according to de Pelham.

"They see aggression as a technique to problem solving," she explained. "I think children that feel out of control end up taking power and control by being aggressive."

Sometimes it's not that deep rooted. There are times when children "just make silly mistakes" without realizing the hurtful consequences, she said. "I think we have to take these opportunities when they happen initially and do the teaching," she said of the parent's role.