Anti-bullying campaign targets high schoolers
FRC staff and Rethink Teen leaders stand up to bullying at last year’s Silent Witness march
(CNS Local Life): The Family Resource Centre (FRC) of the Department of Counselling Services has organised events to recognise Bullying Prevention Month. The slogan for this year’s campaign is “Take a Stand Against Bullying” and marks the fourth local observance. The campaign, run every October, seeks to educate the public about how to protect children from the effects of bullying, and unite communities by encouraging social responsibility.
A pervasive, yet sometimes hidden blight which often escalates if not addressed, bullying leaves sufferers feeling isolated, scared and traumatised, a government press release said. It can take on many forms and has recently broadened to include various forms of cyber bullying.
The results of the National Drug Council’s 2014 survey, which is its most recent poll on bullying in the Cayman Islands, found that 13 to 15 year olds are at the highest risk of such physical and psychological aggression.
In light of those findings, the FRC’s campaign is built around awareness-creating activities for high school students including assembly presentations on how bullying affects individuals and the entire school community.
Students (11-17 years old) will also be encouraged to take part in two competitions that promote an anti-bullying theme. The grand-prize winner of the song contest will work with a local musician to have their song recorded and broadcast while the overall winning poster will be used in the campaign’s promotional literature.
The FRC will also encourage a national conversation on the issue through local broadcasters and is partnering with several businesses in sponsoring anti-bullying public service announcements, which will run throughout October, suggesting ways in which students and others can get involved to stop bullying while supporting victims.
Charmaine Miller, FRC acting programme coordinator, said, “The ‘Take a Stand Against Bullying’ campaign seeks to create a culture of tolerance and acceptance of individual differences. Given the National Drug Council’s findings, we will actively be targeting teenagers to equip them with the necessary skills to stand up safely against bullying and become upstanders in their community.”
The campaign is also inviting citizens and businesses to take a visible stand against bullying by buying “Stood Up” T-shirts. To make an impact, the FRC suggests that schools and offices organise a dress-down day on 14 October when the T-shirts are worn.
Available from the FRC, the tops can also be worn at the annual Silent Witness March set for Tuesday, 18 October and coordinated by the Business and Professional Women’s Club. In addition, the FRC is organising a parenting session 19 October called “How to Bully-proof Your Child” to assist parents to recognise and prevent bullying behaviour.
For contest details, including submission deadlines, email the FRC. For a schedule of the month’s bullying-prevention events, go to the FRC Facebook page or call 949-0006
Category: High School, Youth
